Source The Hindu
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — Torrential rains have triggered widespread destruction, landslides, and flash flooding across several parts of Kerala, leaving at least eight people dead, 13 injured, and eight others missing.
According to updates issued by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, the torrential downpours over the past 24 hours have completely destroyed 27 houses and partially damaged another 196 homes. Authorities have evacuated 5,792 residents to 209 designated relief camps across the state.
Landslides and Inundation
The northern Malabar region bore the brunt of the downpour. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), Ayyankunnu in Kannur district recorded an extreme peak rainfall of 320 mm. Landslides were reported in hilly areas, including Idukki, while swelling rivers inundated low-lying settlements in Pathanamthitta, Wayanad, Kottayam, Kozhikode, and Kannur.
In low-lying regions such as Ranni (Pathanamthitta) and Kuttanad (Alappuzha), floodwaters submerged roads and market areas. Locals in several affected towns were seen relying on small wooden boats to navigate flooded streets.
Relief Operations and Vigilance Warned
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, fire and rescue units, local volunteers, and fishermen have been mobilized to conduct search, rescue, and clearing operations.
“The government will ensure financial and material assistance to the families of the deceased and to those who have lost their homes or livelihoods,” stated Chief Minister Satheesan.
Although rainfall intensity began to ease in several districts, permitting authorities to close dam shutters as reservoir levels stabilized, officials warned that water levels in key power generation dams in Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Thrissur remain under a red alert status.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained an orange alert across multiple districts, and the state administration continues to urge citizens—particularly those residing in landslide-prone hilly terrain and near riverbanks—to remain cautious.
