Heavy rain continues to lash Kerala for the second consecutive day, resulting in severe flooding, mudslides, and widespread destruction across the state. The relentless downpour has claimed six lives, inundated low-lying areas, damaged houses, and triggered mudslides in the high ranges.
Tragic Loss of Lives
The torrential rain has had devastating consequences. In Palakkad, a mother and her son, Sulochana (70) and Ranjith (32), tragically died when the wall of their one-room house collapsed on them while they were sleeping.
In Kannur district, two individuals drowned in waterlogged paddy fields. Kunhamina (51) from Mattannur Kolari was found dead in a field near her house, and Chandrasekaran (63), a painting worker, died after falling into a small canal while returning home from work.
Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts saw two electrocution deaths. Reji (48) of Mepral, Pathanamthitta, was collecting grass for cattle when he came into contact with a snapped power line. Similarly, Sudhan (32) from Cheeyambam, Wayanad, stepped on a live wire while walking through a paddy field.
Rescues and Disruptions
Fire and rescue services have been working tirelessly. In Palakkad, they rescued four people from Tamil Nadu trapped on a rock in the Chittoor river due to strong currents. A youth, Ramesh from Vandithavalam, was also saved after being trapped at Seetharkundu waterfalls.
The rain has caused significant disruptions. Traffic on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH was halted due to mudslides and uprooted trees at Adimali, Munnar, and Gap Road. A mudslide disrupted traffic at Periyavarai on the Munnar-Udumalpet highway. Additionally, hundreds of houses were damaged by falling trees across several districts, including Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.
Impact on Tourism and Infrastructure
In response to the heavy rain, several tourist spots in Kottayam, such as Ilavizha Poonchira, Illikal Kallu, and Marmala stream, have been closed until Thursday. Night traffic has been banned on the Erattupetta-Vagamon road, and the ban in Idukki will remain until the weather alert is withdrawn.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has reported substantial losses, with over 1,000 electric posts damaged by uprooted trees. The 220KV feeder lines of Lower Periyar and Brahmapuram projects have been shut down due to a mudslide at the Lower Periyar Hydro Power project switchyard, though the project itself remains operational.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places across Kerala from June 17 to 20. An orange alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
As Kerala battles these extreme weather conditions, the authorities and rescue teams continue to work tirelessly to mitigate the damage and ensure the safety of its residents.