Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday said eight people were killed, eight remain missing, and 13 others were injured after torrential rains triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across the state on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, Satheesan said 27 houses were completely destroyed, 196 were partially damaged, and 5,792 people had been evacuated to 209 relief camps across Kerala.
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The Chief Minister assured government assistance to the families of those who lost their lives and to residents whose homes and livelihoods were affected. He urged people, particularly those living in hilly regions, to remain vigilant despite a reduction in rainfall since Saturday.
Satheesan said elected representatives, government officials, and volunteers were actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. He added that he was in constant contact with Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar, ministers overseeing various districts, and local authorities to monitor the situation.
He said cleaning operations had begun in flood-hit and waterlogged areas and appealed to political party workers, volunteers, and social organisations to assist in the restoration efforts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 12 districts in Kerala and a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. An orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall of 11–20 cm, while a yellow alert signifies heavy rainfall of 6–11 cm.
The IMD has forecast further heavy rainfall on August 3 and August 6, accompanied by strong winds of 40–50 kmph. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coast on August 2 and 3 due to strong winds of up to 60 kmph and rough sea conditions.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) also warned of high waves measuring between 2.7 and 3.5 metres along the northern Kerala coast and advised fishermen and coastal residents to remain cautious.
Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar said the overall situation was improving and remained under control despite widespread flooding and damage. He said traffic had resumed on many affected roads, although restrictions remained in place in some locations.
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), parts of the state received up to 320 mm of rainfall on Saturday, causing severe flooding in low-lying areas. The highest rainfall of 320 mm was recorded at Ayyankunnu in Kannur district, while several parts of the Malabar region received between 90 mm and 180 mm of rain between 3 a.m. and midnight.
Television footage showed floodwaters inundating homes in low-lying and riverside areas of Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Wayanad, Kottayam, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts.
Although rainfall eased on Sunday morning, several areas, particularly Ranni in Pathanamthitta district and Kuttanad in Alappuzha district, remained submerged, forcing residents to use small boats for transportation.
The KSDMA said water levels in several hydropower dams in Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Thrissur districts continued to remain in the red alert zone.
State Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh said an additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team had been deployed in Pathanamthitta and Aranmula, while extra Fire and Rescue Services personnel had been mobilised from Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Ernakulam. Fishermen and fishing boats have also been kept on standby for emergency rescue operations, with special attention being given to Aranmula, where floodwaters typically recede more slowly.
Meanwhile, BJP leader P.C. George said his residence in Erattupetta, Kottayam district, was flooded on Saturday, resulting in property losses worth several lakh rupees.
Senior CPI(M) leader K.N. Balagopal, after visiting flood-affected areas in Ranni, said traders had suffered significant financial losses. He also claimed that many shop owners alleged they had not received prior warning before dam gates were opened, which they believe contributed to the flooding.
In view of the continuing weather alerts and the possibility of more heavy rainfall, authorities have declared a holiday for educational institutions in Pathanamthitta, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on August 3.
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