Resilience Amid Ruins: The Survival Tales of Chooralmala and Mundakkai

In the hill towns of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Kerala, life drastically changed overnight one year ago when a landslide struck, leaving a graveyard in its wake. Today, these areas stand largely deserted, with only a few families remaining to tell tales of survival amid widespread destruction.

Tragedy hit Naufal hard, taking 11 family members, but he remains a beacon of resilience. He has established a hotel named 'July 30' in memory of his lost family, starting it with the support of generous locals. The story of five orphaned children further illustrates community efforts in recovery, aided by the Kinship Foster Care Programme.

Not all stories are of upward recovery; Annayan, once a prosperous farmer, now struggles as an autorickshaw driver, unable to reclaim his land. He accuses authorities of ignoring his pleas, encapsulating the myriad challenges survivors face even as efforts continue to rebuild lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)