Orange alert for heavy rain in Kerala, 5 killed after flash floods in Malappuram

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for six districts in Kerala due to heavy rain and thunderstorms on Monday. The districts include Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur. The alert predicts rainfall amounts ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm over a 24-hour period, with thunderstorms and surface winds up to 40 kmph in isolated areas.

Meanwhile, in Malappuram district, five people were killed when a flash flood swept through the Kottapuzha River near Nilambur's TK Colony. The flood occurred after heavy rain upstream, causing the river to surge and sweep away six people. Revenue Minister A P Anilkumar reported that rescuers are intensifying their search as receding water levels make it easier to recover bodies.

The search is ongoing for one missing local resident, a woman who was washing clothes on the riverbank when the strong current took her. Chief Minister V D Satheesan has directed authorities to reassess the rainfall situation hourly and has ordered a special Disaster Management Force team to the affected area.