Heavy Rain in Kerala's Kannur: One Dead, Two Injured, Two Missing

Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Kerala's northern district of Kannur on Monday, resulting in one death, two injuries and two missing persons, officials said. The downpour has also forced 521 people to leave their homes and take shelter in eight relief camps across the district.

According to the district administration, the rains have affected 32 villages, with flooding reported in 13 villages. Five minor landslips have been recorded, but no major landslides have occurred so far. The storm has caused damage to 60 houses, including two that were completely destroyed and 58 that were partially damaged.

The two injured persons are receiving medical treatment, and efforts are on to trace the missing individuals. The district administration has asked people to remain calm and follow official guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Pazhassi barrage, located across the Valapattanam river, continued to discharge large volumes of water as heavy inflows poured into the reservoir. At 8 a.m., the barrage recorded an inflow of 1,288.605 cubic metres per second (cumecs) and an outflow of 114.132 cumecs through its spillway. The water level was measured at 16.75 metres, with storage at 1.666 million cubic metres. The catchment area received 40.22 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 7 a.m.

Of the 16 spillway shutters, 15 were open to manage the inflows. Most shutters were raised by 5 metres, while three were raised by 4.5 metres. One shutter remained closed. All three Left Bank Canal (LBC) shutters were kept fully closed, officials said.

Authorities have issued an advisory urging people living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to stay alert. They have also advised residents to cooperate with evacuation orders if issued and to reach out to the control room in case of emergencies.

The district administration has opened relief camps at schools and other public buildings, where basic facilities such as food, drinking water and medical care are being provided. Officials said camp management is being handled in coordination with local volunteers and staff.

Kerala has been experiencing an active monsoon this season, with several districts receiving heavy rainfall. The state has a history of severe floods and landslips, and this year authorities have been on alert. In Kannur, the district disaster management authority is monitoring river levels and weather alerts to respond quickly to any emerging situation.

Kannur, known for its hilly terrain and rivers, is prone to monsoon-related incidents. The administration has stressed the importance of early evacuation to prevent loss of life. As the monsoon continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all residents and minimising the impact of the heavy rains.