Incessant downpour disrupts life in Kerala’s Kozhikode

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, heavy rainfall caused flooding, landslides, and extensive damage in Kozhikode district, Kerala. The district administration swiftly activated rescue and relief operations to address the crisis. Eight relief camps were established, housing 214 individuals from 72 families who were evacuated from perilous areas.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) reported no fatalities or injuries as of Saturday evening. Vadakara taluk bore the brunt of the evacuations, with 109 people from 33 families relocated to the Vilangad parish hall. Thamarassery taluk followed with 95 people from 36 families moved to four relief shelters. A Kumaranallur village family in Kozhikode taluk was also provided shelter.

Five houses sustained damage, while four more were deemed hazardous. Landslide-prone upland areas prompted the relocation of families to safer locales. Fire and Rescue Services faced structural damage, landslides, and collapsed retaining walls in rural regions, deploying emergency squads to clear roadblocks and evacuate vulnerable populations.

Engapuzha town and surrounding areas experienced significant flooding after the Engapuzha river overflowed, affecting over 30 homes and numerous commercial establishments. Traders bore losses as water inundated shops, many unable to relocate goods before the water level rose. Authorities warned of potential further evacuations due to rising water levels in the Iruvazhinji river.

A rain-triggered landslide at Nirannapara near Kodenchery destroyed approximately four acres of farmland. The DDMA imposed traffic restrictions on the Thamarassery ghat road due to safety concerns, with District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty ordering the prohibition of heavy vehicles, multi-axle lorries, trailers, tourist transport vehicles, and non-essential private vehicles.

The Kozhikode Rural police set up checkpoints at Adivaram, and rapid response teams equipped with earth-moving machinery and rescue equipment patrolled vulnerable ghat road sections. Joint inspections by the Public Works department (PWD) and Forest department were conducted. Access to tourist and eco-tourism sites like Kakkayam and Kariyathumpara was restricted due to rising water levels.

The Malabar River Festival organizers postponed kayaking events until clearance was granted by the DDMA. The Kerala State Electricity Board advised residents in vulnerable areas to avoid snapped power cables and trees near electric lines, urging vigilance and cooperation with evacuation efforts.