Heavy Rainfall Causes Devastation in Kerala; Rahul Gandhi Offers Support

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by heavy rains in Kerala, offering condolences to the families of eight people who lost their lives and urging party workers to assist in relief and recovery operations. "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by heavy rains across Kerala. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the eight people who have lost their lives. May those still missing be found safe, and the injured make a swift recovery," he said in a post on X. The Congress leader also added that the state government was making every possible effort to support affected families and coordinate relief operations. "I urge all Congress workers and volunteers to assist these efforts in every possible way," he said, urging people to remain vigilant, especially in hilly regions, and follow authorities' guidance. "Kerala stands united in this difficult hour. I stand firmly with every affected family," Rahul Gandhi added.

Kerala chief minister V D Satheesan confirmed that eight people have died, an equal number are missing and 13 others injured in the heavy rains that triggered landslides, waterlogging and property damage across the state. In a statement, he said 27 houses were completely destroyed, 196 homes partially damaged and 5,792 people have been shifted to 209 relief camps. Satheesan said that despite a reduction in rainfall, people should remain vigilant, especially in hilly areas. He said the government would ensure assistance to families of the deceased and those who lost homes and livelihoods. Revenue minister A P Anilkumar told reporters the situation was improving and was under control. He said damaged roads had been restored in many areas, though some restrictions on vehicular movement remained. He added that alerts had been issued for several districts and preparations were in place. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, the state received up to 320 mm of rainfall in some parts on Saturday, with Ayyankunnu in Kannur district recording the highest. The rains inundated low-lying and riverside areas, especially in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Wayanad, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. IMD issued an orange alert for 12 districts and a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, warning of flash floods in all districts between 2 pm and 8 pm. Heavy rainfall was predicted on August 2, 3 and 6, with strong winds of up to 50 kmph.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services warned of huge waves of 2.7 to 3.5 meters along the northern Kerala coast and advised fishermen and coastal residents to be vigilant. On Sunday morning, while rains subsided, water had not receded from flooded areas, with people seen travelling using small boats. The water level in some power generation dams in Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts remained in red alert status, according to KSDMA. State tourism minister P C Vishnunadh said an additional NDRF team was deployed for rescue efforts in Pathanamthitta and Aranmula, with fire force units from Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad and Ernakulam. Fishermen and fishing boats were also deployed for quick response.