Thiruvananthapuram, August 2: Kerala is battling the aftermath of heavy rains that triggered landslides, flooding and widespread waterlogging across several parts of the state. Chief Minister V D Satheesan said on Sunday that eight people have died, 13 have been injured and eight others remain missing following the rain-related incidents.
The heavy rainfall on Saturday caused significant damage across several districts, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas. Landslides and mudslides were reported, while floodwaters entered homes and disrupted road connectivity in several locations.
According to the latest figures released by the Chief Minister's Office, 27 houses have been completely destroyed and 196 houses have suffered partial damage. The government has moved 5,792 people to 209 relief camps across the state to ensure their safety and provide essential assistance.
Chief Minister Satheesan said the government would provide assistance to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as people whose homes and livelihoods were damaged. He said the administration is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Revenue Minister, ministers overseeing different districts and local authorities.
The rainfall intensity has reduced in several parts of Kerala, bringing some relief to the affected areas. However, the Chief Minister urged people, particularly those living in hilly regions, to remain extremely cautious as the possibility of further rain-related incidents remains.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for 12 districts of Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall. The districts under the alert include Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority reported that some parts of the state received exceptionally heavy rainfall. Ayyankunnu in Kannur recorded around 320 mm of rain, while several areas in the northern Malabar region received between 90 mm and 180 mm during the period from Saturday morning to midnight.
Floodwaters continue to affect some low-lying and riverside areas, including parts of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. In some locations, residents have been using small boats to move through flooded areas. Meanwhile, cleaning and restoration operations have begun in areas where floodwaters have receded. The Chief Minister has appealed to political workers, volunteers and voluntary organisations to participate in relief and cleaning operations, assuring them of full government support.
Authorities remain on alert as Kerala continues to face the impact of the monsoon, with rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts being coordinated across affected districts.
