Kerala Braces for Heavy Rains, Floods as IMD Issues Orange Alert for 12 Districts
The Kerala government and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) are on high alert as the State prepares for heavy rains and potential flooding on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The IMD has issued an orange alert for 12 districts, warning of flash floods, mudslides, and inundation in low-lying areas.
The districts under alert are Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod. Notably, no alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the rough seas along the coast.
The State government has directed all district administrations to remain prepared for any eventuality. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Kerala State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been requisitioned and stationed in districts most vulnerable to mudslides and flash floods.
The alert comes a day after heavy rains, strong winds, and flash flooding caused widespread destruction across Kerala on Saturday, August 1. According to government estimates, six people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while another six are reported missing. Landslips were reported in the forested regions of Idukki and Kottayam.
Rivers in spate overflowed into commercial areas, submerging goods that traders had stocked for the Onam shopping season. Several vehicles parked on roads were swept away by the gushing waters. Power outages caused by uprooted pylons disrupted mobile phone and internet services in several districts, including Idukki.
So far, the government has opened 65 relief camps and relocated 1,465 people to safer locations. Kottayam remains one of the worst-affected districts, followed by Kannur. Storm waters have destroyed 17 houses and damaged at least 127 others.
In a proactive move, the government has mobilised seagoing fishermen and their boats to assist emergency responders in search-and-rescue operations. The authorities have also cautioned residents and tourists against visiting high-range and coastal holiday destinations.
The government has ordered the Revenue Department to assess crop loss and building damage to facilitate compensation. It will also announce ex gratia payments to families who lost their breadwinners in the floods.
With the monsoon continuing to be active over the State, officials urge the public to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety advisories issued by the district administrations. The government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to minimise the impact of the expected heavy rains.
