Heavy rain batters Kerala’s Kannur, two missing, 26 shifted to relief camp

On August 1, 2026, severe rain hit the Kannur district in Kerala, causing significant disruption and damage. Heavy rainfall led to flooding, road destruction, house inundation, and forced evacuations, particularly in Peratta Thottipalam of Ulikkal grama panchayat. Eight families with 26 residents were relocated to a relief camp.

Fire and rescue services, supported by locals, rescued those trapped and transported 19 adults and seven children to the camp. Two individuals, Hanifa and Rajesh, were reported missing in separate incidents. Police are searching for the missing persons.

The road connecting Kannur and Wayanad, Boys Town-Palchuram, was damaged, disrupting traffic. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) imposed a night traffic ban on this route from 6 p.m. on August 1 to 6 a.m. on August 2 due to landslides. A woman, Sumathi, was rescued from a river island in Pullingome-Kozhichal. Landslides and flash floods affected various areas, submerging bridges and the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. Rafting in the Kariyangode river was halted due to strong currents.

Five families on a river island in Kozhichal were temporarily relocated after the Kariyangode river's water level rose due to heavy rainfall. The Pazhassi dam's shutters were raised, and residents near riverbanks were advised to stay alert. The District Tourism Promotion Council temporarily closed tourist spots like waterfalls and beaches, suspended rafting and kayaking activities, and banned vehicle entry to Muzhappilangad beach due to rough sea conditions.

District Collector P. Vishnuraj chaired two DDMA meetings to review the situation and direct officials to ready emergency shelters, strengthen preparedness in landslide- and flood-prone areas, and warn people near rivers and the coast.