Kerala Flood Crisis Deepens: 11 Dead, Over 7,600 Evacuated Amid Heavy Rain

Kerala’s flood situation worsened on Sunday as the death toll from rain-related incidents climbed to 11 and more than 7,600 people were moved to relief camps amid widespread flooding and waterlogging across several districts.

According to the state government, 7,674 people have been evacuated to 273 relief camps, where food, drinking water and medical assistance are being provided. Authorities have also intensified measures to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases in flood-hit areas.

Malappuram Reports Highest Casualties

Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar said Malappuram accounted for four of the 11 deaths reported so far. Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Idukki recorded two fatalities each, while one person died in Kozhikode. Search operations are continuing in several districts to trace missing persons.

Pathanamthitta has the highest number of relief camps at 75, followed by Kottayam (64), Kozhikode (36), Wayanad (28), Kannur (18), Alappuzha (14), Idukki (13), Ernakulam (7), and Thrissur and Kasaragod with six camps each.

Officials said 30 houses have been completely destroyed, while another 293 have suffered partial damage due to heavy rain and flooding.

Floodwaters Continue to Inundate Towns

Although rainfall eased in parts of the state on Sunday, floodwaters continued to inundate several towns and low-lying areas, including Aranmula and Ranni, disrupting daily life.

Residents, elected representatives, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and volunteers joined hands to clear debris, unclog drains and restore public spaces.

In Pathanamthitta district, water levels in the Pamba River continued to rise, raising concerns in Ranni, which was recently hit by flash floods.

With the Moozhiyar Dam catchment placed under a Red Alert, authorities warned that the dam’s shutters could be opened if inflows increase further. Residents living along the Pamba River have been advised to remain on alert and be prepared to move to safer places if required.

Overflowing river water also submerged commercial areas in Ranni, causing significant losses to traders.

Government Steps Up Relief Measures

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan chaired a virtual meeting with district collectors to review the flood situation, rescue operations and preparedness across the state. The government has assured financial assistance to families who lost relatives, homes, crops and livelihoods in the rain-related disasters. Those injured will receive medical treatment and other necessary support.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the loss of lives and urged party workers and volunteers to assist rescue and relief efforts. He also appealed to residents, particularly those in hilly regions, to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condoled the deaths and called on Congress and UDF workers to extend all possible assistance to people affected by the floods.