The accessible path to the Urutti bridge in Vilangad was damaged a year ago in landslide and has not yet been repaired. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
A year after the devastating land landslide, Vilangada hit the rural Kozhikod, deep scars that left nature furious and alleged institutional negligence, continues to torture its inhabitants.
“That was my shop where a boulder stand now,” says Thomas, known to everyone as a child. “It was a four -room shop. It was my living. I didn’t get any help from anyone.”
Vilangad, a peace village over 70 km from Kozhikode, was reduced to the place of destruction, fear and helplessness on 30 July 2024.
Valook bridge in Vilangad and the skeleton of the bus waiting shed, which was damaged in landslide a year ago. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
The massive landslide ruptured the village and absorbed everything on his way, from homes, shops and schools to churches. Ka Mathew, a retirement teacher, lost his life during the rescue operation.
As a result of the disaster, the state government committed itself to the renovation project of the 2 GBP River. For the villagers, it was a flash of hope that the same river that caused confusion could be controlled and safe. But it must still be fulfilled.
View from Manjacheeli in Vilangad, which experienced maximum loss in landslide 2024. Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
“The only visible work was the collection of debris and its sloppy dumping along the shores of the same river. Every time it rains, the same fragments are back into the water and the abolition of the small efforts spent, Vilangad unit) Vilangad).
Thirty -one families lost their homes and the compensation took 10 months to materialize. Each family received a promised amount of 15 lakh. Owners of Villangad companies received assistance, not from the government, but from Kvves, which distributed 30 lamps between them.
During the SESU, several bridges collapsed, including the main connecting Villangad with Gram Naripetta Panchayat, Vilangad Bridge, Vayad Bridge, Urruttipalam and Manjachili Bridge. Makeshift bridges were built, but were never intended for strong traffic.
During the heavy rain with the Secondary School of St. George becomes a relief camp. It opens its doors to families that run from the rising river and convert classrooms into hiding places. “This year, 80 students ended from school. The school became a” camp school “,” says Shebi Sebastian, member of the Association of Parents-Teachers.
The Catholic Bishops’ Council promised 50 new houses. One was completed while the construction of the other is on. For many, the tragedy of 2024 was not the first. Vilangad parts were declared dangerous as early as 2019 after another landslide. At that time, houses were also promised.
Today, these houses are still unfinished and the inhabitants live in them without proper water supply or hygiene. “Our women go to collect water, or we store it and use it,” says Nana, resident of Addupil Usthi of Vilangad.
Published – July 30, 2025 21:59
