Thiruvananthapuram: Eight people have been killed while an equal number of people remain missing after heavy rainfall wreaked havoc across Kerala on Saturday, 1 August. The incessant rains, which began on the night of Friday, 31 July, triggered landslides, waterlogging and flash floods, causing widespread damage to property and lives. At least 13 people have also been injured in rain-related incidents across the state.
According to a statement from the office of Chief Minister VD Satheesan, rain-related incidents have destroyed 27 houses while 196 homes have been partially damaged. As many as 5,792 people have been shifted to the 209 relief camps set up across the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange alert’ for 12 districts of the state on Sunday.
Three children and two women were among those killed in rain-related incidents across Kerala.
Three-year-old Abdul Muhaini and four-year-old Adam Ayman were killed after they fell into a swollen stream in Malappuram on Saturday. 11-year-old Milan K. Shinu died after falling into a waterlogged pit dug for a Jal Jeevan Mission project at Vakathanam, reported The Hindu.
A 69-year-old woman named Sumathi was killed when a landslip triggered by the rain buried her home in the Kudayathoor panchayat near Thodupuzha.
Three people –Prabhakaran Nair (72), Josephin Johny (28), his mother Regina Johny (48)– were also killed in landslides at Kolahalamedu near Vagamon and Kottayam’s Kaippally.
Body of missing fisherman found
The body of one of the two fishermen missing after a fishing boat capsized near Muthalappozhy was recovered on Sunday, while search continues for the other.
The body of 28-year-old Freemon, an Anchuthengu native, was found off Kannanthura, nearly 20 km from the accident site during a joint operation by the Coastal Police, Fisheries Department’s Marine Enforcement Wing and the Indian Coast Guard.
Search efforts are on to find Shijin (32), also from Anchuthengu.
The boat, carrying four fishermen, overturned around 8.30 pm on July 31, after being struck by strong waves about 100 metres from the estuary. Two others, Jose and Smith, swam to safety.
Following protests by local fishermen and relatives, the government sought the Indian Navy’s assistance in the search.
Separate search operations are also underway off Vizhinjam for two fishermen who went missing in another boat accident on Saturday.
Search operations are also on to find two residents of Kannur who went missing after they fell into a river.
Intensified rains cause landslides, flash floods
The intense rainfall beginning from Friday night caused landslips and flash floods in pats of the state, with Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam being among the worst affected regions.
Parts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki recorded extremely heavy rainfall (above 204.4 mm), while very heavy rainfall was reported in parts of Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kollam.
The highest rainfall in the state was recorded at Vadaserikkara in Pathanamthitta (361 mm), followed by Athikkayam (357 mm), Vagamon in Kottayam (314 mm) and Angamoozhy in Pathanamthitta (307 mm).
Northern districts such as Kasaragod and Kannur largely experienced light to moderate rainfall.
Pathanamthitta remained the worst-affected district as heavy rains caused flood-like conditions in several areas. Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey sought a more efficient response from the Revenue Department after a delay in supplying breakfast to a relief camp.
Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar said he had spoken to the MLA and issued directions to ensure timely food distribution at camps.
He said the overall situation is under control, with no major untoward incidents reported.
The minister added that roads damaged by rain and landslides have been restored, preparations are in place as rain is expected until August 5, and local bodies have been directed to clear waste from waterlogged areas once floodwaters recede.
Government assures support
In a statement, the office of the Kerala chief minister assured assistance to the families of those killed and those who lost their homes and livelihoods in rain-related incidents. The CM also called on political workers and voluntary organisations to participate in the relief and clean-up works. He also said that he is in touch with the ministers coordinating relief operations.
“Communications continue with the Revenue Minister, Ministers responsible for the districts, and district administrations regarding the rain disaster in the state. The reduction in rainfall compared to yesterday is encouraging,” the statement said.
“Cleanup operations have begun in the flood-affected areas. Political workers and voluntary organisations should participate in the cleanup efforts. Full support from the government will be provided,” the CM’s office said.
The CM cautioned people to stay alert, despite a reduction in rainfall on Sunday.
“Even though the amount of rain has decreased, preparations have been made to face any eventuality. People’s representatives and voluntary workers are actively involved in relief operations. For any needs, contact can be made with government systems,” the statement said.
