IUML keeps its word, homes rise from the ashes of Wayanad tragedy
Wayanad, April 27
Almost two years after the devastating landslide wiped out homes and upended lives in Chooralmala, Wayanad, hope has finally taken concrete shape for 51 families who lost everything.
On Monday, these families stepped into their new houses in a rehabilitation township built at Meppadi, marking a deeply emotional return to stability and dignity.
The township, constructed by the second biggest ally in the Congress-led UDF- Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), spans 11.5 acres and forms part of a Rs 30 crore rehabilitation initiative aimed at supporting 105 affected families.
The first phase includes 51 fully completed houses, each a 1060 sq ft, three-bedroom unit designed to offer both comfort and permanence.
For survivors, the moment is more than just a relocation-it is the closing of a long, painful chapter.
Many had been living in temporary shelters since the landslide, carrying memories of loss while waiting for a place to call home again.
That wait has now ended.
IUML supreme leader Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, who visited the township to meet residents, recalled the promise made in the aftermath of the tragedy.
"Soon after the disaster, we announced that IUML would construct homes for the victims. Last month, we handed over the keys, and from Monday, families have begun moving in," he said.
He added that while 51 homes have now been occupied, the remaining 54 houses are nearing completion and will be handed over soon.
The project, executed by a dedicated committee, was closely monitored through regular progress reports to ensure timely delivery and quality construction.
What makes the initiative stand out is its funding model.
The entire project was powered by public contributions, mobilised through a dedicated crowdfunding app reflecting a collective effort that turned empathy into action.
Built with high-quality materials and thoughtful planning, the township is more than a cluster of houses, as it is a symbol of resilience.
For these 51 families, the sound of doors opening this week was not just about new homes, but about reclaiming a future once thought lost.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's one thing to make promises during a crisis and quite another to actually deliver. IUML deserves credit for walking the talk. But I hope the state government also steps up for the remaining families who are still waiting. 105 families is a lot, and not all have been covered yet.
Seeing pictures of these homes is like watching a phoenix rise from the ashes. 1060 sq ft with three bedrooms is quite spacious for a rehabilitation project. The survivors must be feeling such relief after living in temporary shelters for two years. Kudos to everyone involved in the crowdfunding too.
It's impressive that a political party is using crowdfunding for something like this. It shows they are connected to the people. However, I wonder if this means the government itself is falling short. Disaster relief should be a state responsibility, not dependent on political parties doing charity. Still, happy for the families.
This is what community spirit looks like. IUML, despite any political differences one might have, has shown that humanity transcends everything. The 51 families who moved in must be overjoyed. Let's hope the remaining 54 homes are completed swiftly. Every family deserves this security.
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