Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala continues to face a severe monsoon crisis as relentless rainfall has triggered widespread flooding, landslides and disruption across many parts of the state. The situation remained serious on Tuesday, with heavy rains disrupting normal life, forcing authorities to close educational institutions in several districts, while rescue teams worked around the clock to assist stranded residents.
According to the latest reports, the number of people who have lost their lives due to rain related incidents has risen to around 20, although officials are continuing to verify casualties from different districts. The deaths have been linked to landslides, drowning, collapsing structures and other weather related accidents. Authorities have warned that the final toll could change as rescue and assessment operations continue in the worst affected areas.
The India Meteorological Department has maintained alerts for several districts, warning of more heavy-to-very-heavy rainfall in the coming days. Officials have also cautioned that the risk of flash floods and landslides remains high because the ground is already saturated after days of continuous rain. Rivers across the state are flowing close to or above danger levels, increasing the possibility of fresh flooding in low lying areas.
As a precaution, district administrations ordered the closure of schools, colleges and other educational institutions in around 10 districts on Tuesday. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff as many roads remain flooded while the threat of landslides continues in hilly regions. In some districts, authorities have encouraged online learning where possible, while scheduled examinations have been postponed until further notice.
Thousands of people have been moved from vulnerable locations to relief camps established by the state government. Hundreds of camps are currently providing shelter, food and medical assistance to families forced to leave their homes because of rising floodwaters. Government officials said additional camps would be opened if weather conditions worsen.
Rescue operations are continuing in several districts with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Fire and Rescue Services, police and local volunteers working together to evacuate residents from flooded neighbourhoods. Rescue boats have been deployed in areas where roads have become impassable, while emergency teams are monitoring rivers and landslide prone locations around the clock.
Several districts in central and northern Kerala have reported extensive flooding, damaged roads and disruptions to electricity and water supply. Fallen trees, overflowing canals and blocked roads have made travel difficult in many places. Local authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in hilly regions where landslides remain a major concern.
The state government has urged people living near rivers, reservoirs and unstable hillsides to remain alert and follow official instructions. Residents have also been asked to move immediately to safer locations if advised by district authorities and not to attempt crossing flooded roads or bridges.
Fishermen have once again been warned not to venture into the sea because of rough weather and strong winds along the Kerala coast. The India Meteorological Department has forecast high waves and turbulent sea conditions, making fishing activities extremely dangerous.
Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has been closely monitoring the evolving situation through regular review meetings with senior officials and disaster management authorities. The government has directed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure that rescue teams, relief materials and emergency services are available wherever needed. Officials have also instructed district administrations to speed up relief measures and provide immediate assistance to affected families.
Health officials have begun monitoring relief camps to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and ensure access to clean drinking water and medical care. Medical teams have been deployed to camps while local bodies continue sanitation work in areas where floodwaters have started to recede.
Although rainfall has eased slightly in some parts of Kerala, weather experts warn that the danger is far from over. With more rain forecast over the next few days and rivers still swollen, authorities remain on high alert. Residents have been urged to rely only on official weather updates and emergency advisories as the state continues to battle one of the most challenging phases of this year's monsoon season.