Heavy rain lashes north Kerala; many low-lying areas still flooded

Heavy rainfall continued to impact various parts of Kerala on Tuesday morning, with northern districts experiencing the highest precipitation, according to the India Meteorological Department. Low-lying and riverside regions in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Kozhikode remained inundated, prompting residents to relocate to relief camps and resulting in the loss of important documents and children's schoolbooks.

State Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh announced that special adalats would be organized to restore lost documents, and the government pledged to provide textbooks and study materials to affected children. The minister also revealed that ₹25,000 has been allocated for cleaning work in every ward, and various volunteer organizations have offered assistance in cleaning homes affected by the floodwaters.

The state's Chief Minister has assured financial aid to those who have lost homes and livelihoods, which will be disbursed promptly. The India Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert for 12 districts, including Kasaragod, for August 4 and a yellow alert for two other districts. Bayar in Kasaragod recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 121.5 mm between 3 am on August 3 and midnight, followed by Muliyar (81 mm) and Kannur Airport (74 mm).

The IMD defines rainfall of 60 mm or more within 24 hours as heavy rainfall. At present, the water levels in the Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers are still above the warning level but are gradually receding. The Kaliyar river is flowing at 12.26 meters, below its warning level of 13.10 meters and danger level of 14.10 meters. Authorities have advised residents near these rivers to remain vigilant as the monsoon continues to bring rainfall to several parts of the state.