Curly Tales

Kerala Police Warn Tourists To Avoid Wayanad’s Landslide-Hit Areas As Dark Tourism Affects Rescue Operations

Nikitha Sebastian
Kerala Police Dark Tourism

Kerala Police are urging tourists to avoid dark tourism by not visiting Wayanad’s landslide-hit regions. The advisory comes amid devastating landslides that have caused significant destruction and loss of life in the area. Over 270 people have died, and more than 200 remain missing. The police’s warning highlights the dangers and ethical concerns of ‘dark tourism’—the practice of visiting places associated with death and tragedy.

Kerala Police Warn Tourists To Avoid Dark Tourism In Wayanad

In a message posted on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) in Malayalam, Kerala Police stated, “Please avoid visiting disaster-hit areas for sightseeing as it hampers rescue efforts. For assistance, call 112.” The statement underlines the importance of prioritising rescue operations and respecting the gravity of the situation.

Dark tourism, where people visit sites linked to human suffering and historical bloodshed, is gaining attention worldwide. Kerala’s recent landslides, particularly in Mundakkai town and near Chooralmala School, represent one of the state’s most severe natural disasters. These landslides have led to the loss of homes, destruction of watercourses, and uprooting of large trees. The disaster was triggered by a cloudburst, which washed away houses and trapped residents.

The appeal from Kerala Police aims to prevent the influx of tourists who may be drawn to the site out of curiosity. Such visits can disrupt rescue and relief efforts, putting both visitors and rescue workers at risk. The situation in Wayanad is still critical, with ongoing efforts to locate and assist survivors.

Also Read: Wayanad Landslides Updates: Death Toll Reaches 156; Over 180 Injured & 1,000 Rescued

Darker Aspects Of History

Dark tourism is not a new phenomenon. Historically, people have visited sites of death and tragedy, from the battlefields of Waterloo to the concentration camps of Auschwitz and the nuclear disaster site of Chernobyl. This morbid curiosity is driven by a desire to understand the darker aspects of history and human experience.

In India, sites like Port Blair’s Cellular Jail, Uttarakhand’s Roopkund Lake, and Rajasthan’s Kuldhara village attract visitors interested in their tragic pasts. However, the ethical implications of such tourism, especially in active disaster zones, cannot be ignored.

Also Read: Anand Mahindra Devastated By Wayanad Landslides; Pledges Support In Relief Efforts

The situation in Wayanad highlights the tension between the human fascination with tragedy and the need to respect the dignity and safety of those affected by such events. Kerala Police’s advisory serves as a reminder that certain places, especially those still reeling from disaster, are not tourist attractions but sites of ongoing human suffering and recovery.

Cover Image Courtesy: @TheKeralaPolice,@SumanNaresh4/X (Formerly, Twitter)

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Exit mobile version