Idukki: Three people have lost their lives after continuous heavy rain triggered landslides and flooding across several parts of Kerala, with Idukki and Kottayam among the worst affected districts. Rescue teams are continuing search operations in vulnerable areas as the India Meteorological Department warned that intense rainfall is likely to continue over the coming days.
The state government has stepped up emergency measures as widespread rain caused severe damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure. Authorities have also declared holidays for educational institutions in several districts as a precaution, while residents in landslide prone and low lying areas have been urged to remain alert and move to safer places if advised by officials.
One of the victims was a woman identified as Sumathi, who died after a landslide buried her house at Kudayathoor near Thodupuzha in Idukki district. Rescue workers reached the area soon after the incident, but she could not be saved. In Kottayam district, two more people died in separate rain related incidents as heavy showers continued to batter the region.
Officials said rescue operations are still underway in some parts of Kottayam, where emergency personnel are searching for people who may still be trapped under debris following landslides. Teams from the Fire and Rescue Services, the National Disaster Response Force, police and local volunteers have been working around the clock despite difficult weather conditions.
The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for several districts, including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Orange alerts remain in force for neighbouring districts, indicating the possibility of very heavy rain and isolated weather related incidents.
The continuous downpour has caused rivers and streams to overflow in several areas, flooding roads and residential neighbourhoods. Falling trees, power outages and traffic disruptions have also been reported from different parts of the state. In many hilly regions, travel has become difficult due to landslides and waterlogged roads.
District administrations have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to hill stations and areas identified as vulnerable to landslides. Residents living near rivers, steep slopes and flood prone locations have been asked to closely follow official warnings and be prepared to move to relief camps if necessary.
As a safety measure, district collectors have declared holidays for schools and colleges in several districts where heavy rainfall has severely affected normal life. Authorities said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff as weather conditions remain unpredictable. However, examinations scheduled by universities and other institutions may continue if separate notifications have been issued.
Emergency control rooms have been activated across the state to coordinate rescue and relief work. Officials are closely monitoring rainfall levels, water reservoirs and river flows to respond quickly to any further emergencies. Relief camps have also been kept ready to accommodate families who may need to be evacuated from high risk areas.
Kerala has experienced several episodes of intense monsoon rainfall in recent years, often leading to landslides in its hilly districts and flooding in low lying regions. Disaster management authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of early evacuation and strict adherence to weather advisories to minimise the loss of life and property.
With more rain forecast over the next 24 to 48 hours, officials have urged the public to remain cautious and rely only on verified updates issued by the India Meteorological Department and the State Disaster Management Authority. Rescue agencies remain on high alert as they continue efforts to protect residents and respond to any fresh emergencies caused by the ongoing monsoon.