Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala was thrown into crisis on Saturday after relentless rain battered several districts, setting off flash floods, landslides and widespread disruption that left seven people dead across the state.
In Kottayam district’s Poonjar Thekkekkara Payyanithottam, a landslide brought down a house, killing 24-year-old Josfin Johny and his mother Regina. In Idukki’s Adoormala area, Sumathi of Kudayathoor lost her life in a landslide, while at Kolahalamedu, Prabhakaran Nair of Vaikom was killed when soil gave way over a house.
In Malappuram, floodwaters claimed the lives of two children — Abdul Muhaini, 3, and Adam Ayman, 4. In Wayanad’s Padinjarethara, Benny died of electrocution while pumping out water. In Kollam’s Neendakara, the body of Radhakrishnan, who had gone missing after a boat capsized, was later recovered, as reported by Deccan Chronicle.
The India Meteorological Department has placed nine districts under red alert as heavy rain continues to raise alarm across the state. Rapidly swelling dam reservoirs have added to the danger. Six dams — Moozhiyar in Pathanamthitta, Kallarkutty and Lower Periyar in Idukki, Peringalkuthu in Thrissur, Neyyar in Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalam in Palakkad — are also under red alert.
River levels in Pamba and Manimala are climbing dangerously. As a precautionary measure, tourism has been completely suspended in several districts, while night travel in hilly areas has been curtailed.
The Chief Minister’s Office said six people remain missing in the aftermath of the heavy rains. Search and rescue operations are continuing with the assistance of multiple agencies, local body representatives and residents.
An official statement said 65 relief camps have been set up, providing shelter to 1,465 people, with arrangements ready to shift more residents if required. Seventeen houses have been fully destroyed and another 127 have suffered partial damage.
Chief Minister V D Satheeshan is reviewing the situation with the Revenue Minister, district coordination ministers and local administrations as the downpour continues. He has also been in touch with MLAs and public representatives from the hardest-hit areas.
While rainfall eased in some places by evening, rescue work remained underway. Boats have been deployed from other districts, and officials are keeping a close watch on discharge from dams.
Hilly regions continue to remain under strict vigilance. Kozhikode’s Anakkampoil received 340 mm of rain in 35 hours, while Wayanad’s Meppadi recorded 177 mm. Officials said the state is prepared to respond to any emergency.