Kerala rains: 15 dead, 7 missing, over 11,000 in relief camps

Heavy rainfall continued to batter Kerala on Monday, with the state government confirming 15 deaths and seven missing persons as rescue operations intensified. Over 11,000 people have been displaced and are currently sheltered in 316 relief camps across the state, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Addressing the media after reviewing the situation with senior officials, the chief minister said that the deaths were reported from several districts. 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 also said that seven people are still missing. Two each are missing in Kollam and Kannur, while one person each is untraceable in Malappuram, Idukki and Muvattupuzha.

To provide immediate relief, the government announced a funeral assistance of Rs 10,000 for the families of those killed in rain-related incidents. Additionally, people returning home from relief camps will receive Rs 10,000 as immediate assistance to help them restart their lives.

In view of the extensive damage to agriculture, the chief minister directed the Agriculture Department to submit a proposal to revise crop compensation, stating that the current relief is inadequate. Preliminary estimates indicate that 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. Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram remain under a yellow alert. The weather office has forecast isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.

Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and riverside areas to remain alert as water levels in major rivers continue to rise. People living 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, including professional colleges, in 12 districts due to the heavy rain. The fishing ban along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts 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 possible evacuation.

The Kerala government said it is fully prepared to handle any emergency and urged people to strictly follow advisories issued by the state and district administrations. It also assured that financial assistance would be provided to families of those killed and to people who lost their homes and livelihoods.