Kerala floods: 11 dead, over 7,600 in relief camps as rains continue

Heavy rains continued to batter Kerala on Sunday, even as the state government confirmed that the death toll in rain-related incidents had risen to 11. Over 7,600 people have been moved to relief camps across the state, with several districts still waterlogged and normal life disrupted.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar, in an evening update on rescue and relief operations, said that four deaths were reported in Malappuram district, two each in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Idukki, and one in Kozhikode. Search operations continued for those reported missing in various districts.

The intensity of rainfall had reduced compared to Saturday, enabling government agencies to step up relief work. Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the National and State Disaster Response Forces, the Fire and Rescue Services and the State Police. However, populated regions including towns in central Kerala remained heavily waterlogged, causing significant damage to property.

According to the government, 7,674 people have been temporarily resettled in 273 camps across the state. The camps have been provided with drinking water, food and medical facilities, and steps are being taken to prevent the spread of epidemics. Pathanamthitta district has the highest number of camps at 75, followed by Kottayam (64), Kozhikode (36), Wayanad (28), Kannur (18), Alappuzha (14), Idukki (13), Ernakulam (7), and Thrissur and Kasaragod (6 each).

Thirty houses have been destroyed in the rains so far, while 293 have been reported damaged. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed all 14 districts on yellow alert for isolated heavy rainfall on Monday. On Sunday, all districts except Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam were on orange alert.

As a precautionary measure, a holiday has been declared for educational institutions in ten districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Wayanad, Thrissur, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. In Alappuzha district, Monday will be a holiday for schools doubling as relief camps and for all educational institutions in Chengannur and Kuttanad taluks. In Ernakulam district, a holiday has been declared in Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha taluks.

According to the IMD, no heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday, but northern districts are likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall by Thursday.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has directed District Tourism Promotion Councils to regulate tourism-related activities linked to waterfalls, waterbodies and tourist spots along the high ranges.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, in a Facebook post on Sunday, urged people, especially those residing in high ranges, to remain alert. He said sanitation works have been launched in regions where floodwaters have receded and assured the public of all support from the government machinery in tackling the crisis.

Meanwhile, the opposition CPI(M) state secretariat criticised the UDF government, alleging lapses in evacuating people from vulnerable areas. The party urged Chief Minister Satheesan to "comprehend the gravity of the situation and perform his duty to help the people." It also asked all party units to actively assist in relief operations.