Heavy rains are likely to lash in 14 districts in Kerala on Saturday with The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red alert for eight districts.
Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta are on red alert, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Ernakulam are on orange alert while Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram are on yellow alert.
Speaking to IANS, Neetha K. Gopal, IMD director in Thiruvananthapuram, said: “Rain, widespread heavy rain is expected to continue today as well, and the rainfall will reduce from tomorrow. So, today and tonight will be very crucial. In this morning’s update, we have issued a Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall for the northern districts, from Malappuram to Kasaragod. For the central districts-Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta-we have also issued a Red Alert, considering both the expected rainfall today and the impact of yesterday’s rain…”
In view of the heavy rains, district administrations declared holidays for educational institutions in several districts.
Kerala Rains: 3 Deaths Due To Landslides
At least three people have died in separate landslides in Idukki and Kottayam districts on Saturday, as incessant heavy rain triggered floods and fresh landslides across Kerala.
In Idukki district, the body of Sumathi, a resident of Adoormala near Kudayathoor, was recovered after a landslide struck her house in the early hours. Her husband and son were rescued by neighbours and are currently admitted to a hospital in Thodupuzha with injuries. The residence was completely destroyed in the incident. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, the police, and revenue departments conducted the search operation that led to the recovery of her body, PTI reported.
In a separate incident in Kottayam district, a youth identified as Joseph, son of Johny, died after a landslide at Payyanithottam in Poonjar. Officials stated that although Joseph was rescued, he succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. A search is actively underway for his mother, who is suspected to remain trapped under the debris.
Meanwhile, in Idukki’s Vagamon area, authorities confirmed the death of Prabhakaran Nair, a native of Vaikom in Kottayam. Officials told the news agency that Nair was sleeping in a bedroom of his relative’s house when the landslide occurred. His body was recovered following an extensive, hours-long search operation.
Responding to the heavy rains, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan tweets, “In the context of heavy rains continuing in various parts of the state and reports of landslides and mudslides in some places, phone contact was made with the Revenue Minister, the Chief Secretary, and the District Collectors. Disaster prevention activities will be coordinated by the Revenue Minister. A meeting of District Collectors has been convened by the Revenue Minister at 11 o’clock. NDRF, police, and others are prepared to handle any situation. The government has decided to provide better treatment to the injured and to expedite rehabilitation activities.”