Heavy rain has triggered a series of flash floods, landslides and mudslides across Kerala, leaving several people dead and others missing as rescue teams race against rising water and unstable slopes. The situation remains fluid, with the weather department warning of further rain and authorities stepping up monitoring and evacuation measures in vulnerable areas.
Kerala is battling a fresh spell of intense rainfall that has triggered flash floods, landslides and mudslides in several districts, with at least five people confirmed dead and search operations continuing for those reported missing. The weather threat is expected to persist, with authorities maintaining close watch over vulnerable areas.
One of the worst incidents occurred in Malappuram's Nilambur region, where a sudden surge in the Kottapuzha River swept away people near the Ularvattam-TK Colony stretch on Sunday evening. The river's water level rose rapidly, apparently after heavy rainfall in upstream forest areas, even though there was no significant rain at the spot at the time.
The incident occurred around 5 pm when several people were near the river. Rescue personnel and local residents managed to save some of those caught in the sudden flood. By Monday morning, the death toll had risen to five after two more bodies were recovered. One person remained missing and a search operation was continuing along different stretches of the river.
The incident highlighted the danger posed by sudden rises in water levels in Kerala's rivers, particularly in areas where heavy rain falls upstream. Officials and local residents reportedly noticed the rapidly increasing water and alerted people in the vicinity, helping rescue efforts.
Idukki also witnessed a fatal rain-related incident. In Kottakamboor in Vattavada, a mudslide struck a farm shed where people had taken shelter from the heavy rain. Two people died, while another woman was injured and taken to hospital. The incident occurred during intense rainfall in the area.
Local residents also raised concerns about excavated soil that had been piled near the site, although the incident occurred amid heavy rainfall and authorities were assessing the circumstances.
Other rain-related incidents were also reported from Kottayam, including a fatal mudslide and an incident involving falling boulders. The continuing rain has disrupted movement in some areas and increased concerns about landslides and flooding.
With more rain forecast, the state administration has intensified its preparedness measures. Chief Minister V D Satheesan has directed officials to assess the situation at regular intervals and take immediate steps wherever necessary, including shifting people from vulnerable locations.
Disaster Management Authority Commissioner V Vigneshwari also held discussions with the district collectors of Idukki and Kottayam. Weather alerts were sent to residents through SMS, while officials were asked to remain prepared for evacuation from low-lying and landslide-prone areas.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued rain and thunderstorms in Kerala. Its weather information for Kottayam indicated the possibility of rain and thundershowers, with heavy-rain warnings also issued around the affected period.
The weather situation comes after Kerala experienced a relatively deficient monsoon season for much of the period. However, even after a below-normal rainfall spell, short periods of intense precipitation can produce dangerous flash floods and landslides, particularly in hilly and forested regions.
Authorities have therefore urged people living near rivers, steep slopes and other vulnerable locations to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions if issued. With rescue teams continuing their search and the possibility of further rain, disaster-management agencies remain on heightened alert across the state.
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