Thiruvananthapuram:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for eight districts in Kerala on Saturday, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall after a night of intense rain triggered landslides, flash floods, and severe waterlogging across the state. At least three people have died in separate landslides.
Districts Under Red, Orange, and Yellow Alert
The red alert — indicating the likelihood of more than 204.4 mm of rainfall within 24 hours — is in effect for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta. An orange alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad, while Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram remain on yellow alert. IMD Thiruvananthapuram director Neetha K. Gopal said widespread heavy rain was expected to continue through the day, with the next 24 hours being particularly critical before conditions ease from Sunday.
Three Dead in Landslides
The fatalities were reported from Idukki and Kottayam districts. In Idukki, the body of a woman identified as Sumathi, a resident near Kudayathoor, was recovered after a landslide struck her house; her husband and son were rescued by neighbours and hospitalised. Several landslips have also been reported from the eastern parts of Kottayam district, with reports of people still trapped under debris in some affected areas.
Rivers Overflow, Roads Flooded
The Pamba, Manimala, and Meenachil rivers have overflowed their banks, inundating major roads and low-lying areas in Ranni, Manimala, Erattupetta, and Pala. The state Irrigation Department has issued orange and yellow alerts for several rivers as water levels continue to rise.
Schools Shut in Nine Districts
Educational institutions have been declared closed for the day in nine districts — Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta — as a precautionary measure.
Administration’s Response
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the Revenue Minister would coordinate disaster management and relief operations across the affected districts. Authorities have advised residents in landslide-, mudslide-, or flash-flood-prone hilly areas to move to safer locations during daylight hours if necessary, and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea.
Note: This report is based on IMD advisories and official statements available at the time of publication. Casualty figures and alert levels may change as the situation develops.
