Relentless rainfall battered several parts of Kerala on Saturday, triggering multiple landslides and flash floods that claimed at least three lives while leaving several others feared trapped under debris in Idukki and Kottayam districts. Rescue teams have been deployed to the affected areas as authorities continue search operations amid challenging weather conditions.
The worst-hit districts witnessed widespread destruction, with homes buried under landslides, roads blocked by debris and floodwaters disrupting normal life.
Deaths Reported in Separate Landslide Incidents
One of the victims, Prabhakaran Nair, a resident of Vaikom, lost his life after a landslide struck a house in Vagamon. Officials said his body was yet to be recovered.
Another fatal incident occurred in Payyanithottam in Poonjar, Kottayam district, where a landslide buried a house. Joseph, son of Johny, died in the incident, while search teams continued efforts to locate his mother, who is believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
A separate landslide in the high-range region of Idukki also claimed the life of a woman after her house was hit by collapsing earth.
Rescue Operations Continue as People Remain Trapped
Authorities said another person is feared trapped following a landslide at Adoormala, while rescue personnel are continuing operations in Vagamon, where debris engulfed a residential building.
Emergency teams are working in difficult conditions as continuous rainfall and unstable terrain continue to hamper rescue efforts.
Roads Blocked, Traffic Disrupted Across Districts
Heavy rain triggered several landslides that disrupted road connectivity across Kerala.
A landslide near Machiplavu in Adimali blocked a section of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway, severely affecting vehicular movement. Roads connecting Kattappana and Vazhavara were also blocked due to debris, while waterlogging on National Highway 183 near Vandiperiyar further disrupted traffic.
Another road at Nellimala became inaccessible following landslides.
Floodwaters Inundate Houses, Families Shifted to Safety
Overflowing rivers and rising water levels inundated several residential areas in Idukki. At Kokkayar, the swollen Pullakayar River submerged the low-level crossing, forcing authorities to evacuate families from more than six affected houses.
In Upputhara, a parked police jeep was damaged after a landslide struck the area.
As water levels continued to rise, officials ordered the opening of shutters at several minor dams to regulate the inflow.
Kottayam Battles Flooding Amid Continuous Rain
Neighbouring Kottayam district also witnessed severe flooding after overnight rain inundated residential localities in Erattupetta, Kanjirappally, Koottickal and Erumeli.
Floodwaters entered several homes in Nadakkal and Murikkoly, while rising water levels forced authorities to suspend vehicular movement in parts of Erattupetta. Rescue teams remained on the ground as emergency personnel assisted residents stranded in flooded areas.
Officials said search and rescue operations would continue until all missing persons are traced, while authorities remain on high alert as heavy rainfall is expected to persist in several parts of the state.
