Thiruvananthapuram: Five people were killed in Kerala as incessant heavy rain wreaked havoc in many districts on Saturday. Flash floods and landslides were reported from various parts of the state, throwing nomal life out of gear in many places.
In Adoor Mala, Idukki, Sumathi from Koodayathoor was killed in a landslide, while two others were rescued. At Kolahalamedu in Idukki, mud collapsed onto the house of Leelamani, leading to the death of her relative Prabhakaran Nair from Vaikom. In Poonjar Thekkekara, Payyanithottam, a landslide destroyed a house, killing 24‑year‑old Joseph Johny and his mother Regina Johny. A four year old boy drowned in a stream in Malappuram district.
Authorities have issued severe and extremely heavy rainfall warnings across all districts. Nine districts are under a Red Alert, while the remaining districts are under an Orange Alert.
The Red Alert has been declared in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The Orange Alert is in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Palakkad.
Extremely heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall along with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
Authorities have warned of possible waterlogging on major roads and reduced visibility for vehicles, which could lead to traffic congestion. Flooding is also likely in low‑lying areas and riverbanks.
In view of the continuing heavy rains, a holiday has been declared today for all educational for all educational institutions in nine districts — Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Kannur. However, PSC examinations proceed as scheduled..
According to the forecast, isolated heavy showers accompanied by strong winds reaching up to 50 kmph are likely in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
Other districts may also experience isolated moderate rainfall along with strong winds of up to 50 kmph. Authorities have urged caution as weather conditions remain severe.
Heavy rains continue to batter Wayanad district, prompting restrictions at the Thamarassery Ghat. The Vythiri and Lakkidi regions have recorded extremely heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid non‑essential travel between Wayanad and Kozhikode. District Collector D.R. Meghashree has urged residents to remain vigilant and specifically avoid unnecessary journeys through the Thamarassery Ghat. Only essential services will be permitted along the route.
Restrictions have also been imposed on heavy vehicles and tourist traffic in view of the severe weather conditions.
Landslides were reported in Kottayam and Idukki.
Flooding has also been reported in low‑lying areas of Ranni and Konni in Pathanamthitta district, submerging houses and shops. In Kottayam, heavy damage was reported in Pala and Koottickal. Landslides blocked traffic at two points along the KK Road.
Meanwhile, water levels in the Pamba river have risen sharply due to the continuous heavy rainfall.
The situation in Ranni remains alarming as water levels in the Pamba river continue to rise, prompting heightened vigilance along both banks. Residents are being evacuated from houses inundated by floodwaters.
A landslide was reported at Thoompakkulam, while the Arayannilimannu causeway has been completely submerged, leaving around 400 families isolated. In the Kokkathodu area, a house was destroyed in a landslide.
Fire and Forest Department teams are attempting to reach the affected regions.
Meanwhile, in Guruvayur’s Tholiyoor, strong winds and heavy rain uprooted a coconut tree, which crashed onto a house, partially damaging it. The house belonged to Chattikkal Shibu at Ayirankanni.
The family escaped unharmed after waking up to the sound and rushing outside, averting a major tragedy. The roof was partially damaged, and the fallen tree snapped two electricity poles after hitting the power line.
CM speaks to revenue minister, chief secretary and collectors
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said he has spoken with the Revenue Minister, Chief Secretary, and District Collectors to coordinate disaster‑management efforts.
Satheesan has announced that disaster‑management operations will be coordinated by the Revenue Minister who held a meeting with all district collectors earlier in the day.
The government has also confirmed that NDRF and police forces are fully prepared to handle any situation. At the same time, steps are being taken to provide better medical care for the injured and speed up rehabilitation efforts.
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