Thiruvananthapuram, August 4: Kerala is facing one of the most severe spells of the southwest monsoon this season after continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and disruptions across the state. The relentless downpour has affected thousands of families, forcing large-scale evacuations and prompting an extensive rescue and relief operation by multiple agencies. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as heavy rain is expected to continue in several districts.
According to state disaster management officials, rivers have overflowed in many districts, inundating low-lying residential areas and damaging roads, bridges, and public infrastructure. Landslides have been reported from hilly regions, particularly in Wayanad, Idukki, Kannur, and Kozhikode, disrupting transport and isolating several communities. Floodwaters have also entered hundreds of homes, compelling authorities to shift thousands of residents to temporary relief camps established in schools and community halls.
Rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, Police, local self-government bodies, and volunteers. Rescue teams are using boats and specialized equipment to evacuate stranded families, while emergency personnel continue to search for missing individuals in flood- and landslide-affected areas. Relief camps have been supplied with food, drinking water, medicines, blankets, and other essential items to support displaced residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Red Alerts for several districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and the possibility of further flooding and landslides. District administrations have advised people living near rivers, reservoirs, and unstable hill slopes to move to safer locations if instructed. Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the sea because of rough weather and strong winds.
As a precautionary measure, educational institutions have been closed in several districts, and emergency control rooms are functioning round the clock to coordinate rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Health officials have also intensified measures to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases in relief camps and flood-affected communities.
The State Government has assured that all available resources are being deployed to protect lives and restore normalcy. Officials continue to monitor reservoir levels, weather forecasts, and river conditions while appealing to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay updated through official advisories, and cooperate with emergency services until the situation improves.
