Rain intensifies in Kerala, CM directs Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam collectors to be ready for emergency situation

Heavy rain continued to lash Kerala on Saturday, with the central and northern districts bearing the brunt of the downpour. Landslides, flash floods, overflowing rivers and widespread waterlogging disrupted normal life across the state, while multiple rain-related incidents claimed several lives. Nine districts - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod - remained under a red alert, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in isolated places within 24 hours. Among the worst-hit areas was Ranni town in Pathanamthitta, which was inundated after floodwaters rose early on Saturday. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police, and local residents worked to evacuate stranded families and shift vehicles and goods from flooded shops. Idukki and Kottayam witnessed widespread flooding and multiple landslides as rivers and streams overflowed. The swollen Meenachil River submerged houses along its banks, while towns including Erattupetta, Pala and Poonjar remained waterlogged. In Idukki, overflowing streams inundated roads and residential areas at several locations. At Vandiperiyar, water entered parts of the KK Road, though traffic remained unaffected. Heavy rain and rough seas also battered the coastal village of Chellanam in Ernakulam, inundating homes, submerging roads and accelerating coastal erosion. The northern districts also reported extensive damage. In Kasaragod, at least 12 families were evacuated following landslides, while coastal erosion and road washaways were reported from several areas. In Kozhikode, landslips and waterlogged roads disrupted traffic, and several families were shifted from the landslide-prone Vilangad area. The rain-related tragedies claimed multiple lives across the state. A woman, identified as Sumathi in Kudayathoor near Thodupuzha, was killed after a landslide buried her house at Adurmala around 2 am. Her husband Ravi and son Ratheesh were rescued with injuries after the house was completely destroyed. In another incident, Prabhakaran Nair (72), a native of Vaikom, died after a massive landslide sent mud crashing through the window of the room where he was sleeping at a relative's house in Kolahalamedu, Vagamon. Fire and Rescue Services personnel recovered his body after hours of search using an earthmover to clear the debris. A landslide at Poonjar also claimed the lives of Joseph Johnny and his mother, Regina Johnny. In Wayanad, a 57-year-old farmer, Mankott Benny, was found dead near a pond on his farmland at Manjoora near Kalpetta. He is suspected to have been electrocuted while operating a water pump. Malappuram reported two separate drowning incidents in which two children were swept away by overflowing streams near their homes in Kondotty and Thiruvali. At Mathayippara in Upputhara, a landslide struck a police jeep moments after the personnel had stepped out, allowing them to escape unhurt. Two minor landslides were also reported at Nellappara in Karinkunnam without causing any casualties. Heavy rain also disrupted transport across the state. Several roads in Idukki were blocked after landslides, including the Moolamattom–Vagamon Road at Chelikkal Kavala near Elappally. The Vagamon–Ettumanoor, Vagamon–Upputhara and Kattappana–Vazhavara roads were also closed due to landslips. Authorities imposed a night traffic ban on the Boys Town–Palchuram Road connecting Kannur and Wayanad and stepped up disaster preparedness measures. A complete ban on tourism was also imposed in Idukki district as heavy rain continued unabated. Rafting trainer washed away while rescuing a person in Kannur Kannur: A rafting trainer was swept away by a swollen river in Cherupuzha panchayat while attempting to rescue one person stranded on a small river island, said residents. The missing man has been identified as Rajesh, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, and employed at Meenthully Waterfalls in Kozhichal near Pulingome. According to residents, Rajesh noticed the man stranded on the islet in the rain-swollen river and entered the water to rescue him. He managed to bring the man to safety but was himself caught in an undercurrent while returning. Search operations are underway to trace him. Cherupuzha has been receiving heavy rain for the past five days. Authorities said heavy rain in the high-range areas has significantly increased river levels. The check dam bridge and the wooden hanging bridge have submerged. Officials said 140 people are lodged at the relief camp at St Augustine LP School in Kozhichal, Cherupuzha panchayat.