ARISE MEPPADI: Rehabilitation Project

The Mundakkai-Chooralmala region of Wayanad, Kerala, suffered devastating landslides, resulting in the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods. Recognizing the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation, People’s Foundation, a Kerala-based NGO with over 12 years of experience in community development, has initiated the ARISE MEPPADI – Mundakkai-Chooralmala Landslide Rehabilitation Project. This initiative aims to provide safe housing, restore livelihoods, ensure access to education and healthcare, and empower affected communities for long-term resilience. Peoples Foundation’s involvement after the devastating landslide was exemplary and multifaceted, encompassing rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and documentation efforts. Below is a detailed account of the activities undertaken.

Services Offered

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Immediate Rescue and Relief Operations

Within the first hour of the disaster, IRW volunteers, who were specially trained in disaster management, started rescue operations. 1,300 IRW volunteers, including women, participated in the rescue operations. In the following days, they actively participated in rescue operations in collaboration with official organizations like NDRF, Kerala Fire & Rescue, and Disaster Management Authority.

A search was conducted with 500 volunteers along the Chaliyar river in the Pothukal-Nilambur areas to find dead bodies. Services were provided in mortuaries. Body embalming services were provided to help the affected families.

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Relief Operations

Relief Centres and Coordination: A State Level Relief Cell was established in Kozhikode on 30th July 2024 for organized relief operations. Camp offices were set up in Meppadi and Nilambur-Pothukallu.

Medical Aid and Counselling: Medical assistance and counselling services were provided in the camps under the leadership of specialist doctors from the Ethical Medical Forum. Psychological support was provided to families, including those facing mental challenges.

Distribution of Resources: Over 10,000 food packets were distributed in 17 days. 1,800 food kits, 276 emergency kits and comprehensive household kits were distributed. Rent was provided for six months to 25 families who had shifted to rented houses. 220 students were provided with study materials.

Financial Contributions: Resources worth Rs. 1.5 crore collected from various districts were distributed to the affected people.

Geo-Mapping and Documentation

Detailed Mapping Initiative: A seven-member team led by the Disaster Management Committee mapped the disaster-hit areas of Punchirirmattam, Chooralmala and Mundakai using satellite data. Destroyed houses, commercial establishments and infrastructure were identified and data from household level survivors was collected.

Survey and Recognition: The survey was completed by directly talking to 339 survivors. The Geo-Map survey was recognized by state and national agencies including NABARD, in connection with the rehabilitation of the survivors. The beneficiary list is being prepared on the basis of this survey conducted by various NGOs and the People's Foundation.

Construction of Houses for 30 Families

Thirty families who were not included in the government's beneficiary list due to technical reasons will be provided with houses. For this, land acquisition has been completed in Thrikkaipatta, Meppadi and a master plan has been prepared. The foundation stone of the first house has been laid.

Disaster-resistant houses have been planned for a family on 7 to 8 cents of land.
A social empowerment center will be established with the aim of social, cultural and moral upliftment of the people living in the area. The master plan for the center has been completed.

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Revival of Businesses, Self-Employment & Skill Development Training

Revival of Shops and Small Businesses: Consultations with shop owners and revival proposals completed. Revival proposal discussed with 96 shop owners. Revival proposal prepared for 87 shops. Funded 77 shops (131.89 lakhs); 64 have restarted operations. Conducted a motivational workshop for 70 traders in collaboration with the Lead College of Management.

Self-Employment: Self-employment assistance will be provided to 100 individuals. Along with financial support, technical assistance will also be provided to start a business. Awareness programs conducted for 150 youth. Applications collected, with final selections completed.

Skill Development Training: Trained 30 women in a 30-day Fashion Design program; 11 group-individual ventures planned. A one-week Entrepreneurship Development Programme is being provided to them as an add-on course. Upcoming programs include salesmanship for Gulf jobs, ITEs,ICT and food processing.

Standard Design Factory

Establishment of a Standard design Factory (SDF) -a pre-engineered and pre-fabricated industrial building designed to accommodate various types of small enterprises to provide employment to the members from affected families. Land acquired for a proposed SDF.

Discussions with technical experts are currently underway. Discussions with prominent enterprises to set up units are in progress.

Key Program

Building Futures: A Collective Effort

On August 31, 2024, the Meppadi Panchayat Hall was filled with hope and opportunity as we hosted a job fair aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of the Chooralmala-Mundakkai region. This area has faced its share of challenges, but the resilience and determination of its people have been truly inspiring.

The job fair wasn’t just about providing employment opportunities; it was about empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and communities. The day was a success, thanks to the unwavering support of local leaders and volunteers.
To ensure the impact of this event reaches far and wide, we invested in recording the entire day’s proceedings.

This initiative is a reminder that when we come together, we can create lasting change. Let’s keep pushing forward, one step at a time, towards a brighter future for all.

Job Fair

We successfully hosted the second job fair at the People's Foundation's Regional Centre in Meppadi, tailored for survivors of the recent landslide in Wayanad. 🎉

This event was a follow-up to our first job fair on August 31, where many expressed interest in careers in hypermarkets and retail chain stores. 🛍️

We were privileged to have industry leaders Arshad TK, Recruitment Manager from Regency Group, UAE, and Yasir Ellathody, Executive Director of Connect Plus, Kochi, guiding our participants through the process. 🙌

Together, we are committed to providing the support these brave individuals need to create a brighter future. Let's keep pushing forward!

𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞: 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝’𝐬 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬

ayanad’s Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide left deep scars, especially for the small business owners who lost their means of survival. Yet, in the face of adversity, a story of hope is unfolding. People's Foundation and Rahbar Foundation have joined hands to give these businesses a second chance, a new lease on life.

𝑰𝒏 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒅𝒊, 14 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒊𝒅, 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚. Vice Chairman M. Abdul Majeed led the effort, as these business owners took their first step toward rebuilding their dreams. With more support on the way, the community’s resilience shines brighter than ever.

🌱 𝑰𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒍𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉. 𝑻𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝑾𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒅’𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.

THE SPIRIT OF MEPPADI UNVEILED

Today marked a powerful milestone as we revealed the logo for "Arise Meppadi," the Chooralmala-Mundakkai Rehabilitation Project. This emblem is more than just a symbol—it represents the heart of a community that rises together, stronger and more resilient after every challenge.

Crafted with deep thought and care, the logo captures the essence of hope, unity, and renewal. It serves as a beacon, reminding everyone of the strength that comes from standing together and the unwavering determination of the people of Meppadi.

With this reveal, we celebrate the beginning of an inspiring journey. "Arise Meppadi" will go beyond rebuilding—it will empower lives, uplift spirits, and create lasting change.

Conducted Orientation Class

As part of the Arise Meppadi rehabilitation project launched by the People's Foundation for the survivors of Chooralmala-Mundakai, an orientation class was held for various job-oriented courses. In the class held at the Meppadi People's Regional Center, G.Tech Area Manager Sabit M taught Tally and Basic Accounting, MediaOne Academy Executive Manager Russell KP taught Video Production and Social Media Engagement, and People's Foundation Project Director V.M. Nishad taught Skill Development Program. People's Foundation Project Director Zuhair V.K and Coordinator Muhsin Mushtaq led the event. Registration for the courses to be held in the first week of April has begun. For more information: 9656353890, 9072249966.

Arise Meppadi: Video Production Course Started

A video production course has been started as part of the Arise Meppadi rehabilitation project launched by the People's Foundation for the survivors of Chooralmala-Mundakai. Wayanad District Panchayat Vice President Bindu S. inaugurated the course. The course is being started in collaboration with MediaOne Academy by including it in the skill training program of the rehabilitation project.

Jamaat-e-Islami District President T.P. Yunus presided over the function held at the People's Foundation Regional Office. MediaOne Academy Executive Manager Rahsal KP, Women's Section District President Safiya Teacher, Area President VV Kunjumuhammed, People's Foundation Media and Community Outreach Director C.M. Sharif, and People's Foundation Area Coordinator Abubacker spoke.

Summer Vacation camp organized for students of Chooralmala - Mundakai area

People's Foundation organized a two-day summer Vacation camp for students of classes 8 to 12 in the Chooralmala - Mundakai landslide disaster area. The camp held at the Kozhikode Government Youth Hostel was inaugurated by writer K.P. Ramanunni. People's Foundation Executive Director Shameel Sajjad presided over the event. Trainers in various sessions were Muhammad Ajmal C., Amin Karakunnu, Ajmal Karakunnu, Fayaz Habib, Ishfaq K., Dr. Aswil E.N., Hadi Omassery, S. Kamuruddin, M. Abdul Majeed and Nahas Mala took the class. The camp, which was organized as part of the Chooralmala-Mundakai rehabilitation project 'Arise Meppadi', launched by the People's Foundation, was led by project directors Rameem P.A. and Zuhair K. Fifty students participated in the camp.