Torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across Kerala due to which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a red warning for multiple districts. A woman lost her life after a rain-triggered landslide buried her house in the high-range Idukki district, PTI reported. Officials suspect several others to be trapped under debris in Kottayam district.
The deceased, identified as Sumathi, was a resident of the Adoormala area who is survived by her husband Ravi and son, both of whom suffered injuries in the incident. A joint operation was carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police and revenue officials after Sumathi's house was destroyed in the landslide during which her lifeless body was found.
According to ANI report, another individual named identified as Prabhakaran Nair, a native of Vaikom, died after a landslide struck his residence in Vagamon. His body has not yet been recovered yet, but the fatality has been confirmed.
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The IMD issued a red alert for multiple districts in Kerala due to torrential rains that led to severe weather conditions, including landslides and flooding.
The red alert covers several districts in Kerala, including Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragode.
Heavy rains have caused landslides, disruption of traffic, and flooding, leading to the closure of roads and schools in affected areas.
Fishermen are advised to stay ashore due to the hazardous weather conditions, including high waves and strong winds forecasted alongside the heavy rains.
Residents in Kottayam should remain cautious, avoid low-lying areas, and be prepared for possible evacuation due to rising water levels from overflowing rivers.
Landslides were also reported at Adoormala and Upputhara. Landlide also disrupted traffinc movement along route connecting Kattappana with Vazhavara. Moreover, swollen Chottupara stream inundated National Highway 183 at Vandiperiyar. Overflowing Pullakayar river resulted in closure of the Kokkayar low-level crossing (chappath).
The weather office warned against two days of heavy rainfall till 2 August, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning accompanied and gusty winds of around 60 kmph in several districts. Meanwhile, wet spells are likely to continue in the state till 6 August.
The weather office issued red alert for multiple districts, including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragode. Additionally, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts are on orange alert today. Laha in Pathanamthitta recorded highest rainfall of 236 mm in 21 hour period. Four other areas of the same district registered rainfall above 150 mm during this period, IMD said. As a result, the hilly areas of Pathanamthitta district were hit by several landslides.
Kottayam district's Erattupetta, Kanjirappally, Koottickal and Erumeli town witnessed rain triggered widespread flooding. With Manimala and Pullakayar rivers overflowing, several low-lying areas were inundated. Ranni MLA Pazhakulam Madhu in a social media post urged people to remain cautious after heavy flooding was reported in Ranni and adjoining areas after Pamba river began overflowing. Floodwaters entered several houses and shops in Erattupetta, Nadakkal and Murikkoly.
IMD also issued fishermen warning, advising them to stay ashore and away from coasts till Sunday. The agromet advisory for Keralam states, “Ensure proper drainage in banana, coconut, cardamom, ginger, black pepper and vegetable fields to prevent waterlogging.”
Authorities announced school closure for several districts in view of the forecast of heavy rain. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) opened all five shutters of the Kallarkutty Dam in the Idukki district after the reservoir reached its maximum storage capacity. People living along the banks of the Periyar River have been asked to remain on high alert and take necessary precautions, ANI reported.
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan in a post on X stated, “In the context of heavy rains continuing in various parts of the state and reports of landslides and mudslides in some places, phone contact was made with the Revenue Minister, the Chief Secretary, and the District Collectors.”
He added, “Disaster prevention activities will be coordinated by the Revenue Minister. A meeting of District Collectors has been convened by the Revenue Minister at 11 o'clock. NDRF, police, and others are prepared to handle any situation. The government has decided to provide better treatment to the injured and to expedite rehabilitation activities.”
