The Kerala government has approved the establishment of a district-wide disaster risk monitoring network in Wayanad to improve early warning systems for landslides, flash floods and other extreme weather events. The initiative comes nearly two years after the devastating Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides highlighted the need for stronger disaster preparedness in the district.

A total of ₹3.94 crore has been sanctioned from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) for the project. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will release the funds to the Wayanad District Collector for implementation.

The project is designed to enhance scientific monitoring, strengthen real-time surveillance and improve the dissemination of early warnings across the district. It also aims to build disaster preparedness at the grassroots by promoting ward-level monitoring of rivers and streams, installing public information display systems and reinforcing panchayat-led preparedness with community participation.

Officials said the proposal was submitted by the district administration through the KSDMA, citing Wayanad's hilly terrain and highly variable rainfall, which increase the risk of landslides and flash floods. The monitoring network will facilitate the collection and transmission of scientific data, enabling government departments, local bodies and emergency agencies to make quicker and more informed decisions during disasters.

The proposal was examined by the State Disaster Mitigation Fund Appraisal Committee before receiving approval from the State Executive Committee on June 1. Once the project is completed, the KSDMA will also provide additional technical personnel to strengthen the District Disaster Management Authority in Wayanad.