One Dead, Two Missing as Heavy Rains Lash Kannur, Kasaragod; Wayanad Gets Respite

Heavy rain continued to batter the northern Kerala districts of Kannur and Kasaragod on Sunday (August 2, 2026), causing one death, leaving two people missing, and triggering multiple landslips. The downpour inundated low-lying areas, disrupted road traffic, and forced hundreds of residents into relief camps.

In Kannur district, heavy rain affected 32 villages. The deceased was identified as Rareesh of Kalashparambath. Two persons, including a rescue volunteer, were swept away by swollen rivers and remained missing. One person was injured. Four landslips were reported, and 47 houses sustained partial damage.

According to the district administration, 905 people were sheltered in 18 relief camps, with Iritty taluk bearing the brunt of the calamity. A major landslip at Chekuthan Thodu near Palchuram in Kottiyoor blocked the road after huge boulders fell on the carriageway. Several areas remained cut off after bridges were submerged. Floodwaters entered houses in Peratta, Pulittattu and Aralam, forcing dozens of families to move to relief camps. The Palappura bridge at Murukunnu, the Vattiyamthodu bridge, the Manikkadavu Chappath bridge and other crossings were submerged. Compound walls and houses were damaged in Thalassery, Panappuzha and other places.

In view of the threat of further landslips, District Collector P. Vishnuraj ordered the closure of the Boys Town-Palchuram road connecting Kannur and Wayanad. Traffic was diverted at Kottiyoor and Boys Town.

K.K. Ragesh, CPI(M) district secretary, urged the State government to step up emergency intervention in the rain-hit high-range areas of the district. He claimed that rescue operations in many areas were being carried out largely by local residents and youth organisations, and alleged that Fire and Rescue Services personnel had yet to reach some affected areas. He also called for immediate restoration of damaged roads and power lines. The district administration did not immediately comment on these claims.

In Kasaragod, heavy rain caused widespread disruption but no casualties. Two landslips were reported at Thayyeni in Pallavayal village and Kattamkavala in Maloth village. Four houses sustained partial damage in various villages. As a precaution, the district administration shifted residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations. Six relief camps were housing 325 people, including 132 men, 143 women and 50 children.

Wayanad, which had experienced days of relentless rain, got some respite as showers eased on Sunday. Still, many parts of the district had not fully recovered. Authorities opened additional relief camps and shifted 1,328 people from 414 families to 28 camps. Of these, 15 camps were in Vythiri taluk, 10 in Mananthavady, and three in Sultan Bathery.

District Collector D.R. Meghashree declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Wayanad on Monday (August 3) in view of the prevailing situation. Similarly, holidays were declared for all educational institutions in Kannur and Kasaragod on Monday.

District administrations in all three districts urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid vulnerable areas, and follow official advisories as heavy rain and the threat of landslips persisted.