Kerala Rains: 3 Dead as Landslides, Floods Batter Idukki, Kottayam; Red Alert Issued

At least three people lost their lives after relentless monsoon rains triggered landslides and flash floods across several districts of Kerala on Saturday, prompting large-scale rescue operations and widespread damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure.

The worst-affected districts include Idukki and Kottayam, while rain-related incidents have also been reported from Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more heavy rainfall, authorities have deployed rescue teams, issued red alerts and declared holidays for educational institutions in several districts.

Three Killed in Rain-Related Incidents

Woman Dies After Landslide Hits House in Idukki

In Kudayathoor near Adoormala in Idukki district, Sumathi died after a landslide sent debris crashing into her house during the early hours of Saturday.

Her husband and son were rescued with injuries and admitted to a hospital in Thodupuzha.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police and revenue officials recovered her body after an extensive search operation.

Youth Dies in Kottayam Landslide

In Poonjar in Kottayam district, Joseph, son of Johny, died after a landslide struck the Payyanithottam area.

Officials said Joseph was rescued from the debris but succumbed to his injuries while being taken to hospital.

Search operations are continuing for his mother, who remains trapped beneath the landslide.

Third Fatality Reported from Vagamon

Another landslide in Vagamon, Idukki, claimed the life of Prabhakaran Nair, a resident of Vaikom.

Officials said he was asleep inside a relative's house when the landslide struck the building.

His body was recovered after several hours of rescue efforts.

Landslides, Flooding and Road Closures Across Kerala

Heavy rainfall caused widespread disruption across multiple districts.

In Idukki:

• A landslide damaged a parked police jeep at Upputhara.
• The Pullakayar River overflowed, submerging the Kokkayar low-level crossing.
• Around six houses were inundated, forcing families to relocate.
• Landslides blocked the Kattappana-Vazhavara road.
• Waterlogging affected National Highway 183 near Vandiperiyar.
• Authorities opened the shutters of several minor dams as a precaution.

Kottayam Faces Widespread Flooding

In neighbouring Kottayam, continuous rainfall caused severe flooding in:

• Erattupetta
• Kanjirappally
• Koottickal
• Erumeli

Residential areas were submerged, traffic came to a standstill and rescue teams, assisted by local residents, evacuated people stranded in flooded homes.

The overflowing Manimala and Pullakayar rivers submerged roads, low-level crossings and several residential neighbourhoods.

Pathanamthitta Cut Off by Floodwaters

Heavy rain and landslides also severely affected Pathanamthitta district.

According to local authorities:

• Several areas around Ranni were cut off.
• Boats were deployed to rescue stranded residents.
• Floodwaters entered homes and commercial establishments.
• The water level of the Pampa River rose sharply.
• Relief camps have been established for displaced families.

Other Districts Also Affected

Rain-related incidents were also reported from:

• Kollam
• Kozhikode
• Malappuram
• Palakkad

In Chaliyam, Kozhikode, a fishing boat became stranded in rough sea conditions before all fishermen were safely rescued.

IMD Issues Red Alert for Eight Districts

The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Kerala.

Red Alert

• Pathanamthitta
• Kottayam
• Idukki
• Malappuram
• Kozhikode
• Wayanad
• Kannur
• Kasaragod

Orange Alert

• Ernakulam
• Thrissur
• Palakkad

Authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow official advisories.

Rescue Operations Continue

Emergency teams, including:

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• Fire and Rescue Services
• Kerala Police
• Revenue officials
• Local disaster management teams

remain deployed across affected districts as heavy rainfall continues.

Officials are closely monitoring river levels, dam discharges and vulnerable hill slopes to prevent further casualties.

Key Highlights

• Three people died in separate rain-related incidents across Kerala.
• Landslides and floods severely affected Idukki and Kottayam districts.
• Several roads, bridges and low-level crossings remain submerged.
• Rescue operations are underway in multiple districts.
• IMD has issued a red alert for eight districts.
• Educational institutions remain closed in several areas due to heavy rain.

FAQs

How many people have died in the Kerala rains?

At least three people have lost their lives in landslide-related incidents across Idukki and Kottayam districts.

Which districts are worst affected?

The worst-hit districts include Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, though several other districts have also reported flooding and landslides.

Which districts are under a red alert?

The IMD has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Are rescue operations underway?

Yes. The NDRF, Fire and Rescue Services, police and local authorities are conducting rescue and evacuation operations across affected districts.

Has the IMD forecast more rain?

Yes. The IMD has warned of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Kerala over the coming days.