Kerala rain fury: Death toll rises to 8; over 5,700 shifted to relief camps
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday said that eight people have died, 13 have been injured and eight remain missing in rain-related incidents across the state, as authorities continue large-scale rescue and relief operations.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said rainfall had reduced compared to the previous day, allowing cleanup operations to begin in flood-hit areas. He urged political workers and voluntary organisations to join the restoration efforts, assuring full government support.
According to the latest official figures, 5,792 people have been shifted to 209 relief camps, while 27 houses have been completely destroyed and 196 partially damaged. The government has assured financial assistance to families of the deceased and to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 12 districts, warning of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides and waterlogging. Red alerts have also been issued for several major dams, including Moozhiyar, Kallarkutty, Erattayar, Lower Periyar and Peringalkuttu.
The worst flooding has been reported from Pathanamthitta, where the swollen Pamba River inundated large areas, cutting off roads and forcing residents to seek shelter on upper floors before being rescued by emergency teams. Landslides and flash floods also disrupted normal life in Idukki, Kottayam and other central districts.
State authorities said rescue, evacuation and relief operations are continuing on a war footing, with disaster management teams on high alert as unstable weather conditions persist.
