Kerala Rains: 4 Dead, 28 injured as heavy downpour triggers flood and landslide alerts across State

At least 4 people lost their lives and 28 others were injured in rain-related incidents and road accidents as heavy monsoon showers continued to lash Kerala, prompting authorities to issue flood and landslide warnings across several districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for five northern districts — Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram — warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Several other districts remain under orange and yellow alerts.

Authorities declared holidays for educational institutions in multiple districts as a precautionary measure amid forecasts of intense rainfall and adverse weather conditions.

Among the fatalities, a 27-year-old man in Thrissur died after a tree uprooted by strong winds and heavy rain fell on his house. Three other deaths were reported in separate road accidents linked to poor weather conditions. A collision between a pilgrim vehicle and a tipper lorry in Kondotty claimed two lives and left 28 people injured, with several reported to be in critical condition.

Continuous rainfall has inundated low-lying areas, uprooted trees, damaged crops and disrupted traffic in several parts of the state. Authorities have also issued warnings over rising water levels in rivers and potential flooding in vulnerable regions.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan directed officials to evacuate residents from unsafe houses and move them to relief camps where necessary. Restrictions have also been imposed on night travel through hilly and landslide-prone areas, including Wayanad, Idukki and Pathanamthitta.

Fishing activities along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep have been suspended due to rough sea conditions and the risk of coastal erosion.

To strengthen preparedness, nine teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed across the state. District administrations have activated round-the-clock control rooms, while departments are monitoring dam water levels and ensuring adequate supplies of food, medicines and other essentials at relief camps.

Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, follow weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days.