Monsoon fury wreaks havoc: Six deaths, 10 fishermen missing amid heavy rains; holiday for educational institutions in three districts today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is reeling under the impact of relentless rains that have caused widespread destruction and raised fears of flooding. On Thursday, six people lost their lives, and 12 individuals — including 10 fishermen — were reported missing. Around 300 houses were damaged, and many roads were submerged as rivers overflowed their banks, forcing authorities to evacuate residents from affected areas. Fallen trees disrupted road and rail traffic, and power outages plunged several regions into darkness. Strong winds have intensified the damage.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain for another five days. Though the strength of the westerly winds over the Arabian Sea is expected to decrease, today, 14 districts remain under a yellow alert. A flood warning has also been issued for rivers across the state.

The northern districts have borne the brunt of the devastation, with Kasaragod witnessing near flood-like conditions. Fierce winds uprooted nearly 1,000 trees in various parts of the state, and more than 500 electricity poles were knocked down.

In Vizhinjam, nine fishermen who went to sea in three boats are still missing. Another fisherman, Antony Thadeus (52) from Pulluvila, died after his boat capsized while returning from fishing. One more person remains missing.

In Kottayam's Panachikkad, V.J. Joby (36) of Kollad drowned after a boat capsized in a field near Paraykkalkadavu. In Polachira, Arun Sam (37) also died under similar circumstances.

In Alappuzha, 70-year-old Anirudhan was found dead inside his flooded home at Vattapparambu, Thirumala. Kayippuram native Ranjith went missing after slipping and falling into a backwater while climbing a coconut tree in Kuppappuram. In Ernakulam’s Thirumaradi, Annakutty (85), a worker under the rural employment scheme, died after being struck by a falling tree. In Kasaragod’s Madhur Patla, Sadhique (36) drowned in a river.

Excess rainfall of 468%

1. Kerala received 395.5 mm of rainfall in just one week — a staggering 468% above the expected 69.6 mm.
2. The worst-affected districts are Palakkad, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode.

Relief funding allocated
To tackle monsoon-related damage, the state has sanctioned Rs 1 crore each from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to all districts. Additionally, Rs 5 lakh has been allotted to corporations, Rs 3 lakh to municipalities, and Rs 1 lakh to panchayats. For urban flood mitigation, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode districts have been granted Rs 2 crore each.

Relief efforts

• 66 relief camps are currently operating
• 1,894 people have been relocated

Holiday declared for three districts
Educational institutions in Kottayam, Kollam, and Idukki districts will remain closed today due to the adverse weather conditions.