Thiruvananthapuram, August 1: Heavy rainfall in the central and high mountainous districts of Kerala has resulted in landslides and flash floods, claiming the lives of three individuals. One person is reported missing, and thousands have been displaced, prompting the state government to launch extensive rescue operations and emergency interventions.
The victims have been identified as Sumathi from Mashikkal, who died in a landslide in Adur Mala, Idukki. Prabhakaran Nair (72) from Vaikom was killed when a landslide struck his home near Kolahalamedu, and Josephine Johnny (24) lost her life when her house collapsed in Poonjar Thekkekara.
Search operations are ongoing for Josephine’s mother, Regina, who is believed to be trapped under the debris.
Two individuals were rescued alive from the landslide-affected area in Adur Mala.
The flood situation in Pathanamthitta is particularly severe, with officials noting that conditions resemble the devastating floods of 2018. Some areas in the district recorded over 330 mm of rainfall, causing the Pamba River to swell rapidly and inundate vast regions in Ranni and Konni.
Ranni city was nearly cut off after the Ranni-Vadasserikkara road and the Arayanjilimannu causeway were submerged. Shops, businesses, and homes were flooded, resulting in losses amounting to crores of rupees.
With power outages across the region, residents sought refuge on the upper floors of their homes. Fire and rescue personnel evacuated them using boats to safer locations.
Additional rescue boats were dispatched from Kollam as efforts continued to evacuate people from submerged panchayats.
Minor landslides were reported in some areas of Idukki district and several internal routes, severely disrupting connectivity in the high mountainous regions.
Relief camps have been established at various locations to accommodate displaced families.
As the emergency situation worsened, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan reviewed the status personally through discussions with Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, the Chief Secretary, and district collectors of the affected areas.
He directed that disaster management efforts be centrally coordinated by the Revenue Minister, who convened an emergency meeting with district collectors.
The Chief Minister stated that the NDRF, police, fire and rescue services, and other agencies are on high alert, with additional NDRF teams being deployed wherever necessary.
He instructed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured, expedite rehabilitation measures, and strengthen relief operations.
Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar noted that the sudden floods in Pathanamthitta were caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall exceeding 330 mm, describing the situation as developing at an extraordinary pace.
He mentioned that additional rescue boats are being sent from Kollam to Pathanamthitta, while two state ministers are overseeing relief efforts in Idukki.
The minister also warned that floodwaters from Pathanamthitta are expected to flow towards Alappuzha, prompting officials to issue precautionary alerts.
He highlighted that meteorologists have reported rainfall amounts and intensity exceeding normal forecasts.
Expressing hope for a reduction in rainfall and improvement in the situation, he stated that the government will assess the damage to traders in Ranni and provide appropriate assistance.
He also pointed to a significant environmental concern, noting that the carrying capacity of many rivers in Kerala has been severely reduced due to heavy sedimentation.
The government will explore long-term measures to restore river channels and improve flood prevention strategies.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. The state disaster management authority has urged residents in riverbank and landslide-prone areas to move to safer locations and avoid unnecessary travel.
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