Thiruvananthapuram, August 4: The death toll in Kerala due to relentless rainfall has reached 21, with six individuals still missing. The situation across the state has become critical due to severe flooding.
Floods, landslides, and overflowing rivers have displaced thousands, damaging homes and roads. Authorities have been compelled to intensify rescue and relief efforts in several districts. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to visit the most affected areas in Pathanamthitta district on Tuesday.
His first stop will be Aranmula, where he is expected to meet district officials, assess the operations of relief camps, and review rescue efforts before visiting other impacted locations. This visit is crucial for the government, which is facing political criticism over its disaster response strategies.
The police have pointed out a lack of coordination during the early stages of the flooding, raising concerns that timely action could have mitigated the disaster’s impact. While rainfall has subsided in forested areas overnight, conditions in Pathanamthitta remain dire.
Flood-like situations persist in Ranni and Aranmula, where water levels in the Pamba, Achankovil, and Kakkattar rivers are still high. Authorities have warned residents living along riverbanks to remain vigilant. The district administration has set up 74 relief camps, providing shelter to over 3,000 individuals.
Essential supplies are being distributed through the camps, while rescue teams are prepared at vulnerable locations. Officials have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly and flood-prone areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in central and northern Kerala, raising fears of further flooding and landslides.
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