8 dead, 8 missing in Kerala as major towns flooded after rain
More than 5,700 people have been shifted to relief camps as floodwaters continue to inundate several towns despite reduced rainfall.
An unprecedented downpour in Kerala has left eight dead and eight others missing, as major cities and rural regions were submerged in floodwaters, according to officials. Despite the intensity of the rains diminishing on Sunday, floodwaters continued to persist in urban centers, compelling residents, legislators, National Disaster Response Force personnel, and volunteers to collaborate in clearing debris and unclogging drainage systems.
The death toll, which climbed to eight as of Friday, was further reported by the chief minister’s office, citing eight missing persons, including fishermen from Muthalapozhi harbour. A total of 5,792 individuals have been evacuated to 209 relief camps across the state, and 27 homes have been entirely destroyed while 196 have been partially damaged.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan maintained constant communication with his colleagues and local authorities to oversee relief efforts. He urged citizens to stay vigilant, especially in mountainous zones, and promised financial aid and relief to those affected by the calamity. Public institutions in Kannur, Pathanamthitta, Chengannur, and Kuttanad districts, along with taluks of Kuttanad, have been granted a holiday.
Tourism activities near waterfalls, rivers, and lakes have been halted in districts under an orange alert, with control rooms established in all districts to assist stranded tourists. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for 12 districts and a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, predicting heavy rainfall on August 3 and 6, accompanied by strong winds.
Fisherfolk have been cautioned against venturing to sea for the next 24 hours. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority reported that parts of the state received up to 320 mm of rainfall on Saturday, leading to severe waterlogging in low-lying regions, and power generation dams in Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Thrissur districts remained in the red alert zone.
Additional National Disaster Response Force and Fire and Rescue Services personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in Pathanamthitta and Aranmula. The opposition accused the UDF government of failing to demonstrate alertness and effective coordination during the disaster.
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