Kerala rain fury: death toll rises to 11 as heavy downpour continues
THE death toll from relentless monsoon rains in Kerala has climbed to 11, with authorities warning that the situation remains critical as heavy showers continue to lash large parts of the state.
Rescue teams are working around the clock in flood-affected and landslide-prone areas, while several people remain missing.
The incessant rainfall has triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread waterlogging, damaging homes, roads, bridges, and public infrastructure. Hundreds of families have been shifted to relief camps as rising river levels and overflowing reservoirs forced evacuations in vulnerable regions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for several districts, forecasting more heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in hilly areas vulnerable to landslides. Schools and examinations have been postponed in many districts due to the adverse weather.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, Fire and Rescue Services, police, and National Disaster Response Force personnel are continuing rescue and relief operations.
Emergency control rooms remain active, and the government has appealed to the public to follow official advisories and stay away from rivers, reservoirs, and unstable hill slopes until weather conditions improve.
In a post on X, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said: "Communications continue with the Revenue Minister, ministers responsible for the districts, and district administrations regarding the rain disaster in the state. The reduction in rainfall compared to yesterday is encouraging."
Mentioning that cleanup operations have begun in the flood-affected areas, he urged political workers and voluntary organisations to participate in the cleanup efforts.
"Full support from the government will be provided," he stated.
He assured that the state government will ensure assistance to the families of the deceased and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
"Vigilance must continue in the hilly areas. Even though the amount of rain has decreased, preparations have been made to face any eventuality. People's representatives and voluntary workers are actively involved in relief operations. For any needs, contact can be made with government systems," CM Satheesan said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 12 districts in Kerala.
It has warned of heavy rains and the possibility of flash floods, mudslides, and road and neighbourhood inundation in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
Further, red and orange alerts have been issued to dams under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).
Red alert has been issued to Moozhiyar, Kallarkutty, Erattayar, Lower Periyar and Peringalkuttu dams while an orange alert has been issued to Kuttyadi dam.
