Fifty-one families who lost their homes in the devastating 2024 Wayanad landslide have begun a new chapter in their lives after moving into newly built houses under a rehabilitation project led by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
The houses were handed over at Muttil in Wayanad, where families officially entered their new homes on Monday. The project has been widely shared on social media, especially images showing families from different faiths taking part in housewarming rituals according to their traditions.
Among the beneficiaries, 14 families belong to the Hindu community, who performed traditional ceremonies including lighting lamps and pujas inside their new homes.
Many social media users described the moment as the “real Kerala story,” highlighting communal harmony during a moment of recovery from disaster.
“Homes Built With Heart,” Says IUML Leadership
IUML leaders said the project was built through collective effort and public contribution. Party state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said, “This is a project in which we have invested our heart. Our mission is not yet complete, but this step forward brings hope.”
Senior leader P K Kunhalikutty, who attended the ceremony, said the initiative reflected the spirit of solidarity. “They have come through great sorrow. Today we saw their happiness. Even furniture and essentials reached here through public support,” he said.
He added, “Faith in humanity has made this possible. These homes show that belief in people’s goodness never fails.”
Fully Built, Furnished Homes for Survivors
Each house in the project is a single-storey structure of around 1,060 square feet, built on eight cents of land. The homes include three bedrooms, a kitchen, dining space, work area, sit-out, and paved courtyard.
Families were also given furniture, kitchen utensils, and grocery kits as part of the rehabilitation package.
Ramya, a survivor from Chooralmala, said the day marked a fresh beginning. “We lost everything in the landslide. Today we are starting again. We are thankful for this support,” she said.
Crowdfunding and Community Effort Behind the Project
The IUML said the project was funded through public crowdfunding. The party purchased 11.5 acres of land at Vellithode in Meppadi panchayat for Rs 14.13 crore to build the housing colony.
The first phase includes 51 houses, while construction of the remaining 54 homes is already underway. Officials said the next phase will be completed by September 2026.
House allocation was done through a lottery system to ensure fairness among affected families.
Kerala Government and Other Projects
Earlier, the Kerala government had also initiated a separate rehabilitation township for 178 families affected by the same landslide. However, relocation to that township has been delayed due to pending construction work.
Meanwhile, IUML leaders said their housing project was moving ahead faster due to coordinated public participation and donations.
A Symbol of Recovery and Unity
The housewarming ceremonies were marked by emotional scenes, with families from different communities performing rituals based on their faith traditions side by side.
For many survivors, the new homes represent not just shelter but dignity and stability after losing everything in the landslide disaster.
