Rain wreaks havoc across Kerala, over 1400 people in relief camps| Highlights
Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rain continued to lash Kerala on Saturday, claiming seven lives and triggering landslides, house collapses and flooding in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts in nine districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall.
Among the victims were a mother and her son killed in a house collapse in Poonjar Payyanithottam, two people who died in separate landslides in Idukki, two children swept away by floodwaters in Malappuram, and an 11-year-old who drowned in Kottayam.
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 Pazhassi Dam forced authorities to open 15 of its 16 shutters, while construction materials meant for a nearby powerhouse were washed away.
Red alerts remain in force for Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, with authorities urging people in vulnerable areas to remain alert.
Key Updates
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Another Chance to Take the Exam
Candidates who were unable to appear for the PSC exam today due to the rain will be given another opportunity. The PSC announced that this chance would be extended to candidates from the Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts. Many were unable to take the exam today because of heavy rainfall; those who missed it will be allowed to participate in the final phase of the exam scheduled for August 22
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Complete ban on tourism in Idukki.
The District Collector has announced a complete ban on tourism activities in Idukki district due to continuing heavy rains and the persistent risk of landslides and mudslides. Tourists are advised not to visit the district until the Red and Orange alerts are withdrawn. The Collector also urged the public to avoid travel except in cases of emergency. These restrictions do not apply to those appearing for public examinations.
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Chief Minister Says State is Prepared to Handle Emergency Situations
Chief Minister V.D. 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. He made these remarks via his Facebook page.
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Holiday declared for educational institutions in seven more districts.
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. Holidays had previously been declared for educational institutions in Wayanad and Malappuram districts.
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IMD issues ‘orange alert’ for 12 Kerala districts
The IMD on Saturday issued an 'orange alert' for 12 districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms on August 2, officials said.
The alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
An 'orange alert' indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours at isolated places.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority urged people living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to shift to safer locations if advised by the authorities.
Residents living along riverbanks and downstream of dams were advised to remain vigilant and relocate if directed by officials.
The KSDMA advised people in disaster-prone areas to ensure that relief camps had been opened in their localities and to move to them during the daytime if necessary.
It urged people living in weak or unsafe houses to remain cautious in view of the possibility of strong winds and shift to safer places if required.
The authority cautioned people against entering rivers, streams and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or crossing during the heavy rain.
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Heavy rain forces exam postponements across Kerala
The General Education Department on Saturday postponed the State Eligibility Test, scheduled for August 2, as heavy rain continued to batter several parts of Kerala.
In a statement, the department said the revised examination date would be announced later and advised candidates to regularly check the official website for updates.
The department postponed the Higher Secondary Equivalency Examination scheduled for August 2 due to heavy rain and the resulting disruptions across the state.
The revised examination date would be announced later, it said.
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, also postponed all examinations scheduled for August 3 due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Fresh dates for the examinations would be announced later, the university said.
The Kerala Public Service Commission announced that candidates from flood- and landslide-affected areas who were unable to appear for competitive examinations conducted on Saturday would be given another opportunity to take the examinations.
The announcements came amid heavy rain that triggered landslides and flooding in several districts, disrupting traffic and normal life across the state.
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65 relief camps opened
A total of 65 relief camps were opened in the state as heavy rain forced thousands to leave their homes. According to the official data, 1456 people are housed in the releief camps.
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Six missing, search underway
Six people went missing in rain-related accidents in Kerala. A search is underway under various forces in places hit by the natural disasters like landslidem, mudslide and flashfloods, said government sources. A total of 17 houses were completely damaged, and 127 were partially damaged in the state amid the monsoon mayhem.
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CPI(M) asks workers to intensify rain relief efforts in Kerala
CPI(M) on Saturday asked its party workers to actively participate in rescue and relief operations as heavy rain continued to batter several parts of Kerala.
In a statement, the party's state secretariat urged its workers to assist authorities in evacuation efforts, ensure the timely supply of food, drinking water and other essentials to affected people, and help move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations.
The party appealed to the public to heed all warnings and safety instructions issued by the authorities, as several parts of the state continued to face the threat of floods and landslides.
It said party workers were already engaged in rescue operations in various affected regions and should ensure that no one remained stranded in disaster-hit areas.
The CPI(M) urged its workers to join local self-government institutions in post-rain cleanup and rehabilitation efforts once the weather improves.
In a Facebook post, veteran CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan said the ongoing monsoon had severely disrupted normal life in various parts of the state, with people losing their homes, crops and means of livelihood.
"The government must take immediate and effective steps to protect the lives and property of those affected. Rescue operations should be intensified, facilities at relief camps improved, and compensation for losses disbursed without delay," he said.
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Thottappally spillway, barrages opened to prevent flooding
Authorities have opened the shutters of the Thottappally spillway and barrages in Alappuzha district following heavy rain and rising river levels in neighbouring Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, District Collector Shaji V Nair said on Saturday.
The move is aimed at facilitating the discharge of excess water into the Arabian Sea as inflows from the Pampa and Manimala rivers are expected to rise.
Floodwaters from the Pampa and Manimala rivers, which flow through flood-hit Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, eventually drain into the low-lying Kuttanad region of Alappuzha before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
The district has the Thottappally spillway, while the barrages at Thanneermukkom and Andhakaranazhi regulate water flow and prevent seawater intrusion to facilitate agriculture.
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SET examination postponed
The State Eligibility Test (SET) scheduled for Sunday has been postponed due to heavy rainfall, the General Education Department said on Saturday. The decision was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department's red alert in several districts. A revised examination date will be announced later.
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Sabarimala on Alert as heavy rain continues.
The TDB and the Pathanamthitta district administration on Saturday advised devotees to avoid visiting Sabarimala for the Niraputhari ritual on Sunday and Monday in view of extremely heavy rain and the flood situation.
In a statement, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) urged devotees who planned to visit the hill shrine during the two-day opening of the temple for the annual Niraputhari ritual to postpone their pilgrimage as far as possible, keeping safety in mind.
The district administration here also appealed to devotees to reconsider their visit, citing heavy rain, flooding in the Pampa river, the possibility of landslides and the security alert issued in the region.
The TDB said devotees could instead plan their pilgrimage during the temple opening for the Malayalam month of Chingam from August 16 to 21 or during the Onam festival poojas from August 24 to 28.
The advisory comes as heavy rain continues to batter parts of Kerala, triggering flooding and increasing the risk of landslides in several districts.
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14 cows killed, agricultural lands flooded in Kottayam
Amid the extremely heavy rain in Kottayam, around 14 cows were killed in Kottayam’s Thalanad after the cattle shed was inundated following the landslide at the Payyanithottam region. Agriculture fields are flooded in Pala.
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Aranmula in Pathanamthitta flooded, Pamba river in spate
A flood-like situation gripped Aranmula following heavy rain in the region. According to reports, Pamba river is overflowing. A high alert has been sounded at the Sabarimala temple and its premises. People are advised not to venture into the river. It is learnt that people are stranded at Aramula temple due to rain and flood. In the visuals aired on TV channels, people were seen being evacuated from the temple in trucks. Roads were seen completely submerged. The temple authority is likely to conduct the ceremonial valla sadya as a ritual only. Fishermen from Kollam will reach Aranmula to carry out rescue operations. Minister PC Vishnunadh reached the district to oversee the measures.
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The water level at Pazhassi Dam continues to rise.
The water level at Kannur Pazhassi Dam continues to rise. 15 of the dam's 16 shutters have been opened due to the heavy rain. Construction materials meant for the powerhouse were washed away. The dam is receiving a massive inflow following heavy rainfall..
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Flashfloods hit Kasaragod's Thayyeni; Area in alert
Flashfloods hit Kasaragod's Thayyeni region after landslide in Karnataka forest. Waterlogging has seen in Palavayal area as well. The region is located near Karnataka forest. The authorities said there is no need for panic.There were no reports of water entering houses or causing any other damage. As part of the rescue operation, residents from a few houses were shifted to safer locations.
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Two-year-old swept away by floodwaters dies in Malappuram
A two-year-old boy, Muhammad Muhaini, died after being swept away by floodwaters in Thiruvali, Malappuram, on Saturday. The child reportedly fell into a river after being caught in the strong flow of rainwater.
Rescue efforts were delayed as a section of the river was covered with concrete slabs, making it difficult for rescuers to locate and retrieve the child. Despite efforts to save him, the boy was later found dead.
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The rough sea phenomenon, alert at coastal areas
The rough sea phenomenon has intensified along the Kochi–Chellanam coast, with authorities warning residents and fishermen to stay away from the shoreline as high waves continue to pound the coast.
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Travel ban imposed
The Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (Ranni Roads Division) has announced that, in the interest of traveller safety amid extremely heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides, travel along the Gavi Road via Angamoozhy has been prohibited from today (August 1) until further notice.
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Palchuram route closed for traffic, pedestrians also barred
Traffic has been banned through Palchuram amid the continuing heavy rain. Police have advised people not to travel through the route and said pedestrians will also not be allowed to pass through the area.
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11-year-old boy drowns in water-filled pit in Kottayam
An 11-year-old boy died after accidentally falling into a water-filled pit in Vakathanam.
The deceased has been identified as Milan K. Shiju, son of Shiju.
According to officials, the accident occurred when Milan fell into a pit dug for a Jal Jeevan Mission water tank near his house. The pit had filled with rainwater following heavy showers.
Preliminary reports said Milan was bathing in the water with his sister when he suddenly sank. He was later pulled out of the pit, but could not be saved. Further investigation is underway.
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Relief camps opened, control rooms activated in Wayanad
The district administration has opened relief camps and activated control rooms as heavy rain continues to affect several parts of Wayanad.
To coordinate relief and emergency response, four control rooms have been made operational across the district.
Control Room Numbers:
District Control Room: 04936-204151, 9526804151, 8078409770
Vythiri Taluk: 04936-256100, 04936-255229, 8590842965, 9447097705
Sulthan Bathery Taluk: 04936-220296, 04936-223355, 6238461385, 9447097707
Mananthavady Taluk: 04935-240231, 04935-241111, 9446637748, 9447097704
Residents can also contact the 24x7 toll-free emergency helpline: 1077 for assistance. -
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Four fishermen missing after boats capsize off Kerala coast
Four fishermen are missing after two fishing boats capsized off the Thiruvananthapuram coast amid rough sea conditions. Three fishermen were rescued, while search operations continue for those missing.
-PTI
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Strong currents reported in Kannur's hilly areas
A possible landslide has been reported in the Karnataka forest, while strong currents have been reported in rivers in Kannur's hilly areas. Water has entered parts of Ulikkal, Manikkadavu and Vayathur, with strong currents also reported in the Kolithatt area.
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Water enters tribal settlements in Wayanad
Water has entered the Kambanikkunnu Poyil and Thayyil tribal settlements in Thariyode, Wayanad. Residents are being evacuated. Water levels are rising in the Chekuthan Thodu of the Kavumandam River. A relief camp has been opened at Thariyode GLP School.
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Relief camp opened in Vilangad
A relief camp has opened at Vilangad Parish Hall amid heavy rain and the threat of landslides. Around 100 families from Matancherry, Panniyeri, Kuttalur and Manjachili are being relocated as a precaution.
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15 families relocated after landslide in Thodupuzha
Fifteen families were relocated after a landslide in Alakode, Thodupuzha. Three houses were damaged in the landslide, while two people sustained injuries. The families were moved to relief camps or relatives’ homes.
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Rain alert revised; nine districts under red alert
The rain alert has been revised, with Thrissur upgraded to a red alert. Nine districts are now under red alert: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. An orange alert is in place in five districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Palakkad.
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Four-year-old dies after falling into stream in Malappuram
A four-year-old boy died after falling into the Neerad stream in Kondotty, Malappuram. Locals rescued the child and took him to hospital, but he could not be saved.
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River water levels rise across Kerala; caution advised
Water levels in several rivers are rising, with orange alerts issued at multiple monitoring stations in Ernakulam, Kollam, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. People have been advised not to enter or cross the rivers and those living near riverbanks have been urged to remain vigilant.
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Two dead in Kottayam's Payyanithottam
A mother and her son, identified as Regina and Josephine Johnny, died after a landslide at Payyanithottam in Kottayam. Regina’s body was recovered during the search operation, while her Josephine's body was found earlier.
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Pamba River overflows; flash floods hit Ranni
The Pamba River has overflowed following extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, triggering flash floods in parts of Ranni. The district recorded more than 300 mm of rainfall within two hours.
-ANI
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Kallarkutty Dam shutters opened as reservoir reaches full capacity
KSEB has opened all five shutters of Kallarkutty Dam in Idukki by six feet to release excess water after the reservoir reached maximum capacity amid heavy rainfall.
A high alert has been issued for residents living along the banks of the Periyar River as water levels are expected to rise downstream.
-ANI
#WATCH | Idukki, Keralam: Amid heavy rainfall, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has opened the Kallarkutty Dam in the Idukki district.
— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2026
All five shutters have been raised by six feet to release excess water after the reservoir reached its maximum storage capacity.… pic.twitter.com/IBZsUkB9KP -
Body of Prabhakaran Nair recovered after Idukki landslide
The body of Prabhakaran Nair, a native of Vaikom, was recovered after a landslide struck a house at Vagamon in Idukki.
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Palakkad imposes tourist restrictions
Following heavy rain, tourist entry has been banned at tourist destinations in the hilly areas of Palakkad district, including Nelliyampathy and Kavayi in Malampuzha.
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Woman buried in Idukki landslide found dead
The body of Sumathi, who was buried in a landslide at Adoormala in Idukki district, was recovered on Friday.
The landslide completely buried the house where Sumathi lived with her family. Her husband, Ravi, and their son survived the incident.
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Neyyar dam shutters opened as water level reaches full reservoir level
Authorities opened the shutters of the Neyyar Dam after the reservoir reached its full reservoir level (FRL) of 84.750 metres following continuous heavy rainfall.
The dam's shutters have been raised by 20 centimetres each to regulate the rising water level.
Residents living along the banks of the Neyyar River have been advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution as the discharge from the dam is expected to increase water levels downstream.
Neyyar Dam shutters have been opened due as water level rises. Photo: Reporter TV -
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One killed, another feared trapped in Idukki
Heavy rainfall has triggered a series of devastating landslides across Idukki district, leaving one person dead and another feared trapped under debris.
In Vagamon, a landslide struck a residential house, leading to the death of a man identified as Prabhakaran Nair, a native of Vaikom. While the fatality has been confirmed, authorities stated that his body has not yet been recovered as rescue teams continue to navigate the difficult terrain.
In a separate incident, another landslide was reported at Adoormala. Local officials fear that one person is currently trapped under the mud and rubble at the site, and search operations are underway. - ANI -
Rising Muvattupuzha river floods houses in Ernakulam
The water level in the Muvattupuzha River has risen following continuous heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. Several houses were inundated as floodwaters entered residential areas, causing hardship for residents.
Water entered low-lying areas in Muvattupuzha following heavy rain. -
Ponmudi closed after landslip triggered by heavy rain
The hill station of Ponmudi has been closed to visitors following a landslip triggered by heavy overnight rainfall in the region.
The landslide occurred near a temple close to the 22nd hairpin bend on the Kallar–Ponmudi road, while another affected stretch was reported near the 12th hairpin bend. Officials believe the landslide occurred early Friday morning after continuous rain lashed the hilly areas.
Forest department officials have reached the site and are assessing the situation.
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Holiday for educational institutions in five more districts
The district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Idukki, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram and Pathanamthitta today due to heavy rainfall and the prevailing adverse weather conditions.
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Landslide in Kottayam; houses damaged
Heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides in Kottayam district on Friday, damaging houses and causing flooding in several areas. No casualties have been reported.
The landslides occurred in Mangalagiri, Kaippally and Peringalam, damaging a number of houses. Floodwaters also inundated parts of Erattupetta town, disrupting normal life.
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Heavy rain swells rivers in Pathanamthitta
Heavy rainfall continued to lash the hilly regions of Pathanamthitta district on Friday, causing water levels to rise sharply in the Pampa, Kakkad and Kallar rivers.
As a precautionary measure, operations at the Adavi Kuttavanchi (coracle) Boating Centre have been suspended due to the swollen Kallar River.
Floodwaters have also reached areas near houses in Thekkuthodu, while several smaller streams in Thannithodu are overflowing following incessant rainfall.
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain vigilant as heavy rain is expected to continue.
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Holiday declared for educational institutions in Kannur
The district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Kannur on Saturday following the red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the forecast of heavy rainfall.
The holiday applies to all educational institutions, including professional colleges, schools, anganwadis, tuition centres, CBSE and ICSE schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and religious educational institutions, including madrasas.
However, the order does not apply to residential schools. Authorities have also clarified that pre-scheduled university and public examinations, as well as interviews, will be held as planned.
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Holiday declared in Alappuzha
The district collector, Shaji V Nair, declared a holiday for all educational institutions including professional colleges in Alappuzha on Saturday due to heavy rain.
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