Kerala Battles Relentless Rains

Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala is battling a severe monsoon crisis as torrential rains, flooding and landslides continue to wreak havoc across several parts of the state, leaving at least 15 people dead and seven others missing in rain-related incidents, according to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday.

The worsening situation has prompted authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations, with 316 relief camps activated across the state and more than 11,000 people taking shelter in these facilities. The scale of destruction has been reported across multiple districts, with Kottayam recording three deaths, including a child, Malappuram four deaths and one person missing, Ernakulam two deaths, and Kollam two deaths with two people missing. Idukki and Moovattupuzha have each reported one death and one missing person, while Kannur has recorded one death and two missing persons and Kozhikode has reported one death.

As the rain continues to batter the state, authorities are focusing on evacuating people from vulnerable areas and providing essential assistance to those affected. The government has also announced ₹10,000 in immediate assistance for the last rites of each person who died in the disaster. With agricultural land and crops suffering extensive damage, the authorities have directed the Agriculture Department to examine and propose revisions to compensation for affected farmers.

Preliminary assessments indicate that around 165 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, affecting approximately 3,596 farmers, adding to the growing economic burden caused by the disaster. Rescue and emergency operations have been strengthened in flood- and landslide-affected districts, including Pathanamthitta and Kottayam, with teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army and other security personnel deployed to assist in rescue and relief work.

One NDRF team is operating in Pathanamthitta, while two teams are working in Kottayam, with two additional NDRF teams being brought in from Arakkonam to bolster the response. Authorities have also kept additional forces on standby, with instructions to deploy ITBP personnel in Alappuzha and Defence Security Corps personnel in Kannur and Wayanad, if required. Helicopter services have been kept ready for emergency evacuation and rescue operations should the situation deteriorate further.

Meanwhile, the weather outlook remains a major concern, with forecasts warning of continued periods of heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in Kerala. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official safety instructions, while fishermen have been advised against venturing into the coastal waters of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep during the period of adverse weather.

With rivers and low-lying areas facing the threat of further water accumulation, disaster-management agencies remain on high alert. The administration is closely monitoring the situation, while rescue teams continue efforts to reach affected communities and provide emergency assistance.

As Kerala confronts another spell of intense monsoon weather, the immediate priority remains saving lives, evacuating vulnerable residents, supporting displaced families and protecting communities from further flooding and landslides.