July 29, 2024, is an unforgettable date for the people of Wayanad in Kerala, a devastating landslide hit Wayanad on that day, following days of heavy rainfall. It has left a horrific trail of destruction behind. The disaster caused the loss of homes, livelihoods, and several lives, displacing numerous families and isolating villages. The affected areas were buried under mud and debris, cutting off access to essential services and leaving the community in urgent need of immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. Rescue efforts were launched to search for survivors. The rescue operation, which lasted over a month, involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, fire services, and numerous volunteers. They worked tirelessly to locate survivors and recover the bodies. Helicopters and boats were deployed to evacuate those stranded in remote areas. The landslide claimed more than 300 lives, and hundreds of people are still missing. While relief camps were set up to provide temporary shelter and aid. The event highlighted the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for recovery assistance.
The Redemptorist Novitiate House in Kunnambetta became a critical hub for relief efforts. With many families displaced and in urgent need of assistance, the novitiate was transformed into a collection centre, providing essential support for the affected community.
Relief materials such as food, clothing, and medicines were brought in, stored up, sorted out and distributed from the novitiate house to the landslide victims. The novices joined volunteers who worked hard tirelessly to ensure that the supplies reached those in need.
The Redemptorist novices actively volunteered at the rehabilitation centers in St. Joseph GHSS at Meppadi, to assist in various tasks. They served food to the affected individuals, helped clean the premises, and washed utensils, ensuring a smooth operation at the relief camps.
Our Provincials of three provinces (Fr. Edward, Fr. Poly and Fr. Henry) along with our community fathers visited the landslide area and the burial ground where hundreds of unidentified victims are buried.
We the novices have a deep sense of satisfaction that we could be present and offer our assistance to the victims of this massive landslide. Our work in Wayanad reflects our commitment to serving the poor and marginalized, living out the mission of the congregation.
Novices
Wayanad, Kerala
