Kottayam/Idukki: Heavy rain is continuing in Kerala, claiming eight lives and triggering landslides, house collapses and flooding across several districts, even as authorities intensified rescue and relief operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts in nine districts and an orange alert in 12 districts for August 2, warning of very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. A holiday has been declared for educational institutions in seven additional districts due to heavy rains. The districts affected are Kannur, Kasaragod, Thrissur, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Idukki, and Ernakulam. District Collectors announced that the holiday applies to religious study centers (including madrasas), tuition centers, and any other educational institutions that might otherwise operate on Sunday.
According to the statement from CMO, four of the deaths occurred in separate landslides in Idukki and Kottayam districts, where several others were rescued.Search operations for the six missing persons continued with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Fire and Rescue Services, police, the Coast Guard, the local administration, public representatives and residents participating in the efforts, the statement said.
The statement said 65 relief camps had been opened across the state, providing shelter to 1,465 people. CM V D Satheesan said 17 houses had been destroyed and another 127 had suffered partial damage in rain-related incidents.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan stated that the state is prepared to handle any emergency situation. The government will provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased. Adequate financial aid will also be ensured for those who have lost their homes, crops, and livelihoods. The Chief Minister added that the best medical treatment would be ensured for the injured.
Two separate fatal landslides were reported in Idukki district. The deceased was identified as Sumathi (65), a resident of Adoormala near Kudayathoor in Idukki district.
Her husband, Ravi, and their son, Ratheesh, were rescued and admitted to hospital, officials said. In another incident, Prabhakaran Nair (77) of Vaikom died after a landslide hit the house of his relative in the Vagamon area of Idukki district. A youth died, and his mother was trapped under debris after a landslide at Payyanithottam in Poonjar in Kottayam district. The deceased was identified as Josephine, son of Johny. His mother, Rejina Johny (46), was trapped under debris, officials said.
Besides the central Kerala districts, floods and minor landslides were reported in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasaragod and Palakkad districts.
The rough sea phenomenon intensified along the Kochi–Chellanam coast, prompting authorities to warn residents and fishermen to stay away from the shoreline.
Heavy inflow into the Pazhassi Dam forced officials to open 15 of its 16 shutters, while construction materials meant for a nearby powerhouse were washed away.
The continuing downpour also disrupted academic schedules. The General Education Department postponed the State Eligibility Test (SET) and the Higher Secondary Equivalency Examination scheduled for August 2, while Mahatma Gandhi University postponed all examinations slated for August 3. The Kerala Public Service Commission said candidates from flood- and landslide-hit areas who missed Saturday's examinations would be given another opportunity.
The India Meteorological Department had issued a 'red alert' forecasting very heavy rainfall in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
An 'orange alert' was issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority member secretary Sekhar Lukose Kuriakos said exceptionally heavy rainfall in central Kerala had triggered landslides, mudslides and flooding across several districts.
A 'red alert' indicates extremely heavy rainfall of over 204 mm in 24 hours, while an 'orange alert' means very heavy rainfall of 115 mm to 204 mm.
The rough sea phenomenon intensified along the Kochi–Chellanam coast, prompting authorities to warn residents and fishermen to stay away from the shoreline.
Heavy inflow into the Pazhassi Dam forced officials to open 15 of its 16 shutters, while construction materials meant for a nearby powerhouse were washed away.
