Kerala floods: Landslips kill 3, inundate towns; 327 in relief camps
Three persons, including an 11-year-old boy, died and widespread damage was reported in Kerala's Kottayam district as torrential rain from Friday evening triggered landslips, flash floods and overflowing rivers on Saturday.
The worst incident occurred at Payyanithottam in Poonjar Thekkekara, where a landslip buried a house in the early hours of Saturday. The victims were identified as Josephin Johny, 27, and his mother, Rejeena Johny, 49. The landslip happened when a section of the hillside adjoining their residence collapsed after incessant rain, sending a mass of earth onto the building. Josephin's father, M.J. Johny, escaped unhurt as he was in a neighbouring house at the time. The couple's two daughters, Jomit and Somit, were also away from home.
Personnel from Fire and Rescue Services, police and the Revenue department launched rescue operations immediately. The bodies of the mother and son were later recovered from the debris.
The third victim was Milan K. Shinu, 11, of Thottakkad in Vakathanam panchayat. He died after falling into a waterlogged pit dug for Jal Jeevan Mission works around 10.40 a.m. Though he was rescued and rushed to hospital, his life could not be saved.
The heavy rain also caused substantial damage to livestock. At Theekoy, floodwaters rushing down from the hills inundated the dairy farm of Anil Kumar of Puthenpurackal, killing 11 cattle tethered inside the cowshed.
Multiple landslips were reported from the eastern high ranges as the Meenachil river overflowed its banks, inundating low-lying areas. Floodwaters entered several commercial establishments in Erattupetta town, where traders said the flooding was worse than during the devastating 2018 deluge. Shop owners estimated losses running into lakhs of rupees.
As the rain eased on Saturday morning, water levels began receding in the eastern high-range areas by evening. However, authorities warned that runoff would raise water levels further downstream. By afternoon, floodwaters entered parts of Pala town as the Meenachil continued to flow in full spate after breaching its banks at several places.
The Manimala river was also in spate, while its major tributary, the Pullakayar, witnessed a heavy inflow of water following minor landslips in the Koottickal and Kokkayar region in the Wagamon valley. Although floodwaters that submerged the Mundakayam causeway in the morning later receded, parts of Manimala town remained inundated, causing heavy losses to business establishments.
Ten relief camps, including six in Kanjirappally taluk, were opened across the district, providing shelter to 327 people. Authorities continued to monitor water levels and warned residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.
