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

453865823_981346664002693_1798473168077563815_n
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.

 

455251901_517794937292238_3374319414039137532_n
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.

geomap
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.

arise-masterplan-f
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.

WhatsApp Image 2025-01-09 at 17.18.12 (1)
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.

sdf
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 future
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 fare
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!

small buisness
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.

arise-logo-launch
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.

ARISE MEPPADI: Rehabilitation Project
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.

WhatsApp Image 2025-04-18 at 12.16.05
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.

camp-inug
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.

WhatsApp Image 2025-05-26 at 10.51.15 (1)
Ansar Training College students conducted a project visit to Arise Meppadi

As part of the study of the People's Foundation's Chooralmala - Mundakai rehabilitation project 'Arise Meppadi', Ansar Training College students in Perumbilavu, Thrissur conducted a project visit. The project visit is organized for students, researchers and NGOs under the title 'Mundakkai- Chooralmala Realities: Exploration of Environmental Impacts'.
> In various sessions held at the People's Foundation Regional Center, project directors Dr. V.M. Nishad, Zuhair K, C.M. Shareef spoke. Project Coordinator Muhsin Mushtaq led the field visit. Ansar Training College Teacher M.S. Soumiya and NSS Student Coordinator Kavya Rajendran led the study group. College Principal Dr. Mahmood Shihab concluded.

1000614587
Video Production Course: Certificates distributed

Certificates were distributed to those who completed the video production course conducted by the People's Foundation for the youth of the Chooralmala-Mundakai area. The video production course, which was held as part of the skill training program at Arise Meppadi, a rehabilitation project of the People's Foundation, was led by MediaOne Academy.

The certificate distribution was inaugurated by Meppadi Grama Panchayat President K. Babu. The function held at the People's Foundation Regional Center was presided over by Foundation Executive Member O.K. Faris. District Panchayat Vice President K. Bindu, Jamaat-e-Islami District President T.P. Yunus, MediaOne Academy Executive Manager Rahsal K.P, Vellarmala High School PTA President Najmuddin, People's Foundation Media and Community Outreach Director C.M. Shareef, and Project Director Zuhair K. spoke. A short film 'Ojo Call' prepared by the students was also screened.

WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-09-at-15.53
Collective efforts should continue for the rehabilitation of Chooralmala-Mundakai - IC Balakrishnan MLA

Collective efforts should continue for the rehabilitation of Chooralmala-Mundakai and the People's Foundation is carrying out exemplary work in this area, said IC Balakrishnan MLA. He was speaking while inaugurating the announcement ceremony of the restoration of business establishments and self-employment project as part of the rehabilitation project launched by the People's Foundation for the survivors of the Chooralmala-Mundakai landslide disaster called 'Arise Meppadi'.

The People's Foundation has completed a project worth Rs. 1.5 crore for the restoration of 77 business establishments whose livelihoods were disrupted following the landslide disaster. The People's Foundation is planning a self-employment scheme for 100 people with the aim of providing livelihood to the disaster victims. Rs. 2 crore has been allocated for this. The function was presided over by People's Foundation Vice Chairman M. Abdul Majeed.

District Panchayat President Shamsad Marakkar announced the completion of the scheme and Meppadi Grama Panchayat President K. Babu announced the self-employment scheme. Jamaat-e-Islami State Secretary Shihab Pookottur delivered the keynote address. District President of Traders and Entrepreneurs Coordination Committee Jojin T. Joy, Vyapaari Vyasayi Samiti District Secretary Prasannakumar, KSSIA Joint Secretary K.V. Muhammad Anwar, Jamaat-e-Islami District President T.P. Yunus, Women's Wing District President Jamila P.K, Muslim League District Secretary N.K. Rasheed, K Welfare Party District President Faisal P.H spoke. Baithussakath Kerala Chairman Sheikh Muhammad Karakunnu delivered the concluding speech. People's Foundation District Coordinator C.K. Sameer welcomed and Secretary Ayyub Tirur gave the vote of thanks.

WhatsApp Image 2025-07-06 at 12.25.01
Chooralmala-Mundakai: SSLC/Plus Two winners felicitated and aptitude test conducted

Aptitude test and felicitated ceremony was organized for the students who passed the SSLC/Plus Two examination of 2025 from Chooralmala-Mundakai region. The event, organized as part of the 'Arise Meppadi' project implemented by the People's Foundation in collaboration with Kozhikode Career Guru, was inaugurated by Meppadi Grama Panchayat President K. Babu. People's Foundation Project Director and Career Trainer Rameem P.A. led the aptitude test.

People's Foundation Wayanad District Coordinator CK Sameer presided over the function. People's Foundation Project Director Zuhair TK, SIO Wayanad District General Secretary Dilal Hassan and Abubacker Meppadi spoke. The aptitude test conducted to identify the students' skills and interests will be reviewed and individual career counseling will be provided.

report
Chooralmala-Mundakai: People's Foundation Review Report Published; Voluntary organizations spent Rs. 60 crore on rehabilitation

A People's Foundation study found that non-governmental organizations spent Rs 60 crore on the rehabilitation of the Chooralmala-Mundakai landslide disaster. The study on rehabilitation was conducted a year after the landslide disaster. The annual report was prepared by studying the activities carried out by the government and non-governmental organizations and the current situation of the survivors of the disaster.

According to the report, out of the 88 businesses and livelihoods that were destroyed following the disaster, 80 business owners have found new livelihoods in Meppadi and surrounding areas. 91.1 percent of the families in the 544 houses, including those completely destroyed and uninhabitable, live in rented houses. Of the injured, 50.4 percent are not fully recovered. 12 percent of the families are terminally ill. 523 students are continuing their studies. Five students have stopped their studies. The report, prepared based on studies conducted in areas including mental health, economy, social inclusion and disaster warning system, was released by District Panchayat President Shamsad Marakkar. The function held at the Kalpetta MS Swaminathan Foundation Research Center was presided over by People's Foundation Vice Chairman M. Abdul Majeed.

Former Director of KFRI Dr. T.V. Sajeev, Hume Centre Director C.K. Vishnudas, Disaster Studies Department Associate Professor Dr. S. Mohammed Irshad, Tata Institute of Social Studies, Transition Studies Coordinator A.K. Ramadas, People's Foundation Project Directors Dr. Nishad V.M., Zuhair T.K., and Research Fellow Niranjana presented papers.

Muslim League District General Secretary T. Muhammad, Totem Program Coordinator Alfa, INTUC State Secretary Suresh Babu, Jamaat-e-Islami District President T.P. Yunus, Vyapaari Vyasayi Samiti District Secretary Prasanna Kumar, MSS District Coordinator Tahir, Malabar Charitable Trust Coordinator Abubacker, social activist Mammootty Anchukunnu, and People's Foundation Secretary Ayyub Tirur spoke. People's Foundation District Coordinator C.K. Sameer welcomed the gathering and Media and Outreach Director C.M. Shareef proposed the vote of thanks.

WhatsApp Image 2025-10-09 at 22.33.01
Shade trust members visit 'Arise Meppadi' project

Shade Charitable Trust office bearers, based in Thiruvananthapuram, visited 'Arise Meppadi' project to study the Chooralmala-Mundakai rehabilitation activities being carried out by the People's Foundation. The team visited the rehabilitation project complex site, People's Foundation Regional Office and People's Foundation Head Office. People's Foundation Vice Chairman M. Abdulmajeed and People's Foundation Project Director Dr. Nishad V.M explained the rehabilitation project. Project Director T. Ismail and Coordinator Muhsin Mushtaq led the way.

career-guru
Aptitude test and counseling were organized for students in the Chooralmala-Mundakai rehabilitation area

As part of the educational projects implemented by the People's Foundation as part of the Chooralmala-Mundakai rehabilitation activities, an aptitude test and individual education counseling were organized for students in the rehabilitation area. The aptitude test was conducted by 'Career Guru', a career guidance institution based in Kozhikode.
Eminent career expert M.S. Jaleel provided counseling to the students. Through this project, the aptitude and proficiency of the students of the area will be understood and they will be enabled to choose the appropriate higher education field and thereby get a good job. The program held at the People's Foundation Regional Center was led by People's Foundation Project Directors P.A. Rameem, T.K. Zuhair, and Coordinators Muhsin and Anshad.

5f9de563-c0d6-4721-80ad-e64da63d4dc5
Disaster Management Workshop Organized.

A two-day Disaster Management Workshop was organized at the People's Foundation Regional Center, Meppadi, Wayanad under the auspices of the People's Foundation. The workshop was organized with the focus on the theme of " Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Resilience & Post-Disaster in the context of the Chooralmala-Mundakai disaster".

Mr. Aswin P Kumar KAS, Special Officer, District Disaster Management Authority gave a session on the topic of "Disaster Management Framework in Kerala" and Mr. Shihabudheen, Secretary, Ideal Relief Wing Kerala delivered a session on the topic of "Disaster Response, Relief & Emergency Management". Mr. Hameed Salim, EC Member People’s Foundation interacted on the topic of "Community-Based Disaster Management", Ms. Ranjini, Project coordinator, Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology "Landslides in Western Ghats – Causes & Risk Factors", Dr Nishad V.M, Deputy Executive Director, People's Foundation gave class on the subject of "Post-Disaster Damage & Needs Assessment" and M. Abdul Majeed, Vice Chairman, People’s Foundation explained the model rehabilitation project under the title "Overview of ARISE Meppadi ".

As part of the workshop, the Chooralmala- Mundakai landslide disaster area was visited. People's Foundation Project Directors Zuhair TK and CM Shareef, Coordinators Muhsin Mushtaq and Anshad led the way.

WhatsApp Image 2026-01-08 at 14.29.42 (9)
People's Foundation organizes Disaster management workshop

People's Foundation and Muttil WMO Arts and Science College Social Work Department jointly organized a one-day workshop on the topic 'NGO Interventions in Disaster Management: People's Foundation Model'. College Principal Dr. V.G. Paul inaugurated the workshop. Head of the Social Work Department Abdul Nisar presided over the workshop. People's Foundation Deputy Executive Director Dr. V.M. Nishad and Project Director Zuhair T.K. gave a lecture on various phases of disaster management in the context of the Mundakai-Churalmala landslide, while People's Foundation Vice Chairman M. Abdul Majeed gave a lecture on practical methods in disaster survival activities and challenges faced in the field. People's Foundation Secretary Umar Alathur, Project Coordinators Muhsin Mushtaq and Anshad Ahsan, Wayanad District Coordinator CK Sameer and others were present.

Gemini_Generated_Image_e8tixke8tixke8ti
'Uyaree 2026': Residential camp organized for students of Chooralmala-Mundakai area.

A students' vacation camp was organized as part of the Chooralmala-Mundakai rehabilitation project 'Arise Meppadi' launched by the People's Foundation. Around forty students participated in 'Unarvu 2026', the second edition of the residential camp organized for students of Chooralmala-Mundakai areas. Students studying in classes 8 to 12 participated in the camp held at Pinangode Peace Village. Ashwin Kumar KAS was the chief guest at the camp. Former District Panchayat President Shamshad Marakkar inaugurated the camp. People's Foundation Vice Chairman M. Abdul Majeed, Secretary Umar Alathur and Deputy Executive Director Dr. Nishad V.M spoke.

The camp was conducted on the topics of personality development of students, leadership training, mental health support, team building activities and career guidance. Experts in the field of education and career training, Mubeena Ambra, Hadi Omassery, Nizam A.P, Zakaria M.V, Zahair Cyrus and Fayaz Habib, participated in various sessions. People's Foundation Project Directors Zuhair T.K, Rameem P.A, Project Coordinator Muhsin Mushtaq, Anshad and Sarfraz led the camp.