Relentless monsoon rains have caused widespread devastation across Kerala, claiming 25 lives, leaving four people missing, and injuring 10 others since August 1. The heavy downpour has also damaged hundreds of homes and forced more than 18,000 residents to move to over 400 relief camps across the state.
According to the state government, 52 houses were completely destroyed, while 565 homes suffered partial damage between August 1 and August 4. The worst-affected districts include Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Alappuzha, where flooding has displaced thousands of families.
Kerala received 205.8 mm of rainfall during the first four days of August almost three times the normal rainfall for the period, recording an excess of 181%.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for eight districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, while orange and yellow alerts remain in place for several other regions. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as more rain is expected.
Floodwaters continue to inundate low-lying and riverside areas, causing severe losses, including the destruction of important documents and children’s schoolbooks. In response, the state government has announced special camps to help residents replace lost documents and assured that affected students will receive new textbooks and study materials.
To support recovery efforts, the government has sanctioned ₹25,000 for cleaning operations in every ward, while volunteer organisations have joined hands in restoring flood-affected homes. Financial assistance for families who lost their homes and livelihoods has also been promised.
Several rivers, including the Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha, remain above warning levels, although water levels are gradually receding. Officials continue to monitor river conditions closely and have advised people living along riverbanks to stay alert.
Meanwhile, water levels in several major hydroelectric dams including Moozhiyar, Lower Periyar, Kallarkutty, Erattayar, Poringalkuthu, and Kuttiyadi have reached the red alert level, prompting authorities to maintain strict surveillance.
With heavy rainfall expected to continue, rescue teams and disaster management authorities remain on high alert as Kerala battles one of the season’s most severe monsoon spells.
