Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is battling one of its most severe spells of monsoon rain this season, with at least 11 people killed in rain related incidents as landslides, flash floods and overflowing rivers wreaked havoc across several districts. Rescue teams are continuing search and evacuation operations amid warnings of more heavy rainfall.
According to officials, the deaths were caused by landslides, electrocution, falling trees and other weather related accidents. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police and local volunteers have been deployed in affected areas, where damaged roads and rising water levels have made rescue efforts challenging.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for several districts, forecasting continued heavy rain and warning of the possibility of fresh landslides in vulnerable hilly regions. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough weather and high waves.
Among the worst hit districts are Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Wayanad, where heavy rain has flooded roads, damaged houses, uprooted trees and disrupted electricity supply. As a precaution, schools have remained closed in several districts, while district administrations have activated emergency control rooms to coordinate rescue and relief operations.
The state government has shifted thousands of residents to relief camps, where food, drinking water, medical assistance and other essential supplies are being provided. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in rivers, dams and reservoirs, carrying out controlled water releases where necessary to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.
Kerala has received rainfall significantly above the seasonal average over the past two days, increasing concerns about fresh landslides, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. Officials have urged people living in low lying and landslide prone areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official weather advisories.
With more rain expected in the coming days, rescue teams remain on the ground while the state government continues efforts to restore normalcy, assist affected families and minimise further loss of life and property.
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