Kottayam’s Eastern High Ranges to Implement Tech-Driven Early Warning System amid Climate Crisis
KOTTAYAM, June 22, 2025 — With the alarming rise of landslides and flash floods attributed to extreme rainfall events, the eastern high ranges of Kottayam are set to enhance disaster preparedness through a tech-enabled early warning system. This initiative, spearheaded by the Wayanad-based Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, aims to identify and monitor the most vulnerable zones within the Kanjirappally Block.
As part of this proactive stance, rain gauges will be installed in targeted areas to observe rainfall trends and evaluate the risk of impending landslides and floods. The project encompasses meticulous mapping of the region, which will be divided into 2.5-square-kilometer grids informed by the collected rainfall data. This grid-based methodology will aid in pinpointing disaster-prone areas and facilitate the formulation of tailored mitigation and preparedness strategies.
Officials point out that Kanjirappally’s precipitation levels frequently surpass those of surrounding areas, rendering it particularly vulnerable to climate change-induced hazards. Key areas including Vagamon, Kootickal, Enthayar, Elamkadu, Koruthodu, and Kanamala have been designated as high-risk zones for potential cloudbursts and landslides.
Adding to these efforts, a consortium comprising Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), and the Environmental Resources Research Centre (ERRC) has recently deployed an automated landslide warning system within the region. Funded by NewSpace India Limited, three Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) have been installed in Theekoy, Poonjar Thekkekara, and Moonnilavu panchayats, all situated within the Meenachil river basin.
These AWS units continuously monitor critical environmental variables—including wind speed, humidity, temperature, and soil moisture—transmitting real-time data to CUSAT’s servers for analysis. This innovative approach is expected to significantly bolster disaster preparedness in the face of climate adversity.
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