THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan stated on Sunday that eight people have lost their lives while eight others remain missing following widespread torrential rainfall across the state. The severe weather has also left 13 individuals injured and triggered extensive property destruction, landslips, and severe waterlogging across multiple districts.
Official statements from the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that rain-related incidents completely destroyed 27 houses and damaged 196 others. In response to the growing crisis, authorities have evacuated 5,792 individuals and relocated them to 209 relief camps established across affected regions. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for 12 districts as relentless downpours, which began late Friday, spawned flash floods and landslides, with Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Kottayam bearing the brunt of the damage. Weather monitors recorded the highest rainfall levels at Vadaserikkara and Athikkayam in Pathanamthitta, reaching 361 millimetres and 357 millimetres respectively.
Addressing the situation, Chief Minister Satheesan assured state relief and financial assistance to the families of victims and those displaced by the calamity. While noting that a slight reduction in rainfall intensity provided temporary relief, he called upon political workers, voluntary organizations, and civil defence volunteers to actively participate in ongoing cleanup operations. Emergency services, supported by nine National Disaster Response Force teams, remain actively deployed on the ground. Weather officials noted that while rainfall intensity is currently on a downward trend, conditions are expected to reactivate around August 7, though with reduced severity.
