In one of the most devastating disasters the country has witnessed—the landslide at Chooralmala Mundakkai—several families lost both their homes and land. In response, the Diocese of Mananthavady has stepped in to construct and provide new houses for these victims. The foundation stone for these houses was laid by the diocesan bishop, Mar Jose Porunnedom. The land for the project has been identified at Palakkattukunnu, between Vazhavatta and KK Junction on the Muttil-Meppadi road, under the jurisdiction of the Muttil Panchayat.
The Diocese is constructing 50 houses for the affected families who were not eligible for government support due to technicalities, despite losing everything in the landslide. Out of these, construction of five houses is already underway at Thomattuchal, Puthiyidamkunnu, and Kaniyaram. The official inauguration of construction for the remaining homes took place at St. Sebastian’s School auditorium in Vazhavatta.
Since the day of the disaster, the Diocese of Mananthavady—through its social service wing, the Wayanad Social Service Society (WSSS)—has been working tirelessly to support the victims. Various diocesan organizations have participated in rescue operations, delivered food to relief camps, cared for the injured in hospitals, and looked after the children affected. The diocesan medical teams and expert counselors, operating under church-run hospitals, rendered significant support—assistance that still continues today. A special trauma care team comprising 100 religious persons skilled in counseling was formed, out of which 50 were selected and given further training for ongoing follow-up work. These trained individuals continue to provide services in homes and institutions.
In the second phase of relief, with financial aid from Caritas India and SEEDS and in collaboration with other dioceses, emergency financial assistance of ₹9,500 each was provided to 958 families, along with household items worth ₹10,000 per family. Further, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, the WSSS implemented livelihood programs worth ₹5.7 million benefiting 307 families. The Diocese also provided furniture worth ₹50,000 to 50 families. Educational materials were distributed to students, and camps were organized for them. Scholarships were awarded to 30 students for continued education. For children who lost family members or whose homes were completely destroyed, fixed deposits of ₹400,000 each were arranged. A few severely affected families were enrolled in health insurance schemes to ensure access to ongoing medical treatment.
The third phase, now underway, involves house construction. Funds for this were raised through cooperation with all parishes in the Diocese, the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council, the Kerala Social Service Forum, various dioceses, religious congregations, development agencies, and individual donors. Based on the extent of loss suffered, plots of 15, 10, or 5 cents are being allocated to selected families, along with houses measuring between 700 and 1,000 square feet. The project site has been named "Christ Nagar Residence" and will include employment opportunities and other essential amenities.
Speaking during the foundation stone laying ceremony, Bishop Jose Porunnedom highlighted how the history of Christian faith is marked by suffering and divine renewal. The function was presided over by Mar Alex Tharamangalam, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese. The meeting began with a condolence message on the passing of Pope Francis, during which the Bishop reflected that the words from the Pope’s Jubilee theme—“Hope does not disappoint us”—are being realized through this resettlement initiative.
Diocesan Vicar General and Chairman of the Resettlement Committee, Monsignor Paul Mundolickal, welcomed everyone. MLA Adv. T. Siddique handed over the land documents to the new homeowners. WSSS Director Fr. Jinoj Palathottathil presented the project details.
Other dignitaries who addressed the gathering included Kalpetta Block President Chandrika Krishnan, Muttil Panchayat President Sreedevi Babu, Panchayat Opposition Leader Santosh Kumar P.M., Kerala Social Service Forum Director Fr. Jacob Mavungal, Diocesan Procurator Fr. Jose Kocheraikkal, Ernakulam Social Service Director Fr. Joseph Kolathuvallil, Kalpetta Forane Vicar Fr. Joshi Periyapuram, Vazhavatta Parish Vicar Fr. Anil Moonjanattu, Chooralmala Parish Vicar Fr. Jibin Vattukulattil, Resettlement Committee Vice Chairman Sebastian Palamparambil, and Pastoral Council Secretary Jose Punchayil.