Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 15, 7 missing as heavy rain continues

NEW DELHI: Chief minister VD Satheesan on Monday said that the death toll in rain-related incidents across Kerala has risen to 15 as heavy rainfall continued to batter the state and rescue operations intensified. Addressing a press conference after reviewing the flood situation with senior officials, Satheesan said 316 relief camps were functioning across Kerala, sheltering 11,018 people displaced by flooding and landslides. He said Kottayam reported three deaths, including two in the Poonjar assembly constituency and a child who drowned after falling into a water tank. Ernakulam recorded two deaths, while one person each died in Idukki and Muvattupuzha. Four people died in Malappuram, two in Kollam and one each in Kannur and Kozhikode. The chief minister said seven people were still missing. Two each are missing in Kollam and Kannur, while one person each is untraceable in Malappuram, Idukki and Muvattupuzha. Satheesan announced Rs 10,000 as funeral assistance for the families of those killed in rain-related incidents. He also said people returning home from flooded relief camps would receive Rs 10,000 as immediate assistance. The chief minister directed the Agriculture Department to submit a proposal to revise crop compensation, saying the current relief was inadequate. According to preliminary estimates, 165 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, affecting 3,596 farmers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain alerts for all 14 districts in the state. Orange alerts are in place for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, while Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram remain under a yellow alert. The weather office has forecast isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds of up to 60 kmph. Authorities have urged people living in low-lying and riverside areas to remain alert as water levels in major rivers continue to rise. Residents in landslide-prone hilly regions have also been advised to move to safer locations if necessary.

District collectors have declared a holiday for educational institutions in 12 districts, including professional colleges, due to the heavy rain. The ban on fishing along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts also remains in force because of rough sea conditions. In Pathanamthitta district, rising water levels in the Pamba river have raised concerns after recent flash floods. Authorities have warned that the Moozhiyar Dam may be opened if water levels continue to rise and have asked residents along the riverbanks to stay prepared for evacuation. The Kerala government said it remains fully prepared to handle any emergency and urged people to strictly follow advisories issued by the state and district administrations. It also said financial assistance would be provided to families of those killed and to people who lost their homes and livelihoods.