The World Weather Attribution (WWA) study revealed that the devastating landslides in Wayanad, which resulted in more than 200 fatalities, were heavily influenced by human-induced climate change. On July 30, Wayanad received 140 mm of rainfall in a single day, marking it as the third heaviest one-day rainfall event in the district's history. The study suggests that this level of rainfall, expected to occur only once every 50 years, was made 10% heavier due to climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, the WWA predicts that Kerala will face more frequent and intense one-day rainfall events, with an additional 4% increase in rainfall intensity if temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels.Moreover, the study highlights environmental factors such as extensive quarrying and a 62% reduction in forest cover between 1950 and 2018, which have weakened the region's slopes, increasing their vulnerability to landslides. These findings underscore the need for urgent preventive measures, including reinforcing susceptible slopes, implementing early warning systems, and restricting construction in hillside areas. The WWA's findings serve as a stark reminder of the growing threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation, calling for comprehensive actions to protect vulnerable regions from future disasters.
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