Out of the Rubble: Resilience and Grief in Kerala's Hill District

On July 29th, the picturesque hills of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Kerala appeared normal, but by July 30th, a devastating landslide turned them into a disaster site. One year on, these once-lively towns are marked by memories of tragedy and the few survivors left grappling with loss.

Among these survivors is Naufal, who lost 11 family members. He now runs a hotel named 'July 30' in memory of his loved ones. Similarly, five orphaned children are slowly adjusting to life, supported by foster care and government aid, demonstrating the resilience of the community amid the tragedy.

Yet, the disaster's impact on livelihoods remains severe. Farmers like Annayan, who once thrived on prosperous farmland, now struggle under restrictive policies that only allow farming. Despite community support, survivors face ongoing battles with authorities over land and compensation, exposing the disaster's long-term social and economic toll.

(With inputs from agencies.)