Kerala rain havoc: Floods, landslides leave destruction; alerts issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rain and strong winds in several parts of Kerala as the state continues to deal with rain-related disasters that have killed eight people and left several others missing.

In an alert issued at 2.30am on Sunday, the IMD forecast heavy rainfall in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, along with strong winds.

Authorities warned that intense rainfall could trigger waterlogging, poor visibility, flooding in low-lying areas and increased risks of landslides in vulnerable regions.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said eight people have died in rain-related incidents, while 13 others were injured and eight remain missing.

In a post on X, Satheesan said rainfall has reduced compared with the previous day, but authorities remain on alert, especially in hilly areas.

“According to the latest figures, eight deaths have been confirmed. Eight people are missing. 13 people have been injured,” he said.

The chief minister said 5,792 people have been moved to 209 relief camps across the state. At least 27 houses have been completely destroyed, while 196 houses have suffered partial damage.

Cleanup operations have started in flood-affected areas, with political workers and voluntary organisations urged to support relief efforts.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and remain in safe locations until weather conditions improve.

Officials warned that strong winds could uproot trees, cause power outages and damage houses and temporary structures.

People living in hilly areas were advised to remain alert as heavy rain could trigger landslides and mudslides.

The KSDMA urged residents in disaster-prone areas to shift to relief camps during the daytime if required.

The authority also advised people to:

Kerala’s rain-related disasters have claimed seven lives after torrential downpours triggered landslides, flash floods and widespread damage across several districts.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said relief and rescue operations had been intensified, with multiple agencies, local residents and elected representatives involved in search efforts.

Six deaths were officially confirmed by 6pm on Saturday, while six people remained missing. The death toll later rose to seven, according to reports.

The state government has opened 65 relief camps, sheltering 1,465 people.

Kottayam, one of the worst-affected districts, has the highest number of camps at 23, followed by Pathanamthitta with 22. Kozhikode and Idukki have opened six camps each.

Authorities said more people would be shifted to relief camps if required.

The Chief Minister said 17 houses had been completely destroyed, while 127 others suffered partial damage.

Additional boats have been deployed from neighbouring districts, while water levels and discharge from major dams are being monitored closely.

The Chief Minister said Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode recorded 340mm of rainfall over 35 hours, while Meppadi in Wayanad received 177mm.

Other areas in the eastern high ranges also recorded intense rainfall. Laha in Pathanamthitta received 25cm of rain, while Peermade and Thodupuzha in Idukki recorded 21cm each within 24 hours.

The heavy rain triggered landslides and flash floods in parts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for 12 districts, warning of heavy rain, flash floods, mudslides and waterlogging.

The districts under alert include:

Under Kerala’s disaster management protocol, an orange alert indicates “action”, requiring authorities to begin precautionary measures.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has issued red and orange alerts for several dams as rainfall continues.

Red alerts have been issued for:

An orange alert has been issued for Kuttiyadi dam.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas, particularly near rivers, slopes and landslide-prone zones, to remain cautious and follow official instructions.

The extreme weather has raised concerns over preparedness in vulnerable regions despite forecasts of heavy rainfall.

Pathanamthitta and Idukki, which recorded rainfall levels matching red alert intensity, remained under an orange alert until Friday morning.

The IMD acknowledged the possibility of red alert-level rainfall late on Friday night, while the formal red alert was issued only on Saturday morning.

Experts have stressed the need for stronger preparedness measures in landslide and flood-prone areas during periods of intense rainfall.

Satheesan directed district collectors of Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta to remain prepared for any further emergencies.

Ministers have been assigned to coordinate relief operations:

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar is overseeing state-level coordination of rescue and relief measures.

The Chief Minister also spoke with MLAs from affected constituencies to assess the situation.

Several districts announced holidays for educational institutions due to continuing bad weather.

Schools, professional colleges, tuition centres, coaching centres, religious study classes and special classes will remain closed in:

Institutions operating as relief camps will remain closed until further notice.

The government has assured financial assistance to families of those killed and compensation for damage to homes, crops and livelihoods. It also promised the best possible treatment for the injured.