Pathanamthitta/Thiruvananthapuram: Relentless monsoon rains and flash floods have wreaked havoc across Kerala, claiming at least 15 lives while seven people remain missing, as widespread inundation and landslides continue to disrupt normal life. More than 5,700 residents have been shifted to over 200 relief camps after the Pamba, Manimala and Meenachil rivers breached danger levels.
Pathanamthitta has emerged as the worst-hit district, with Ranni and Ittiyappara witnessing extensive flooding that submerged commercial areas under up to 2.5 feet of water, destroying shops and business inventories. Mallappally experienced severe waterlogging that inundated its central bus terminal and market streets, severely affecting transport and trade.
Authorities have prohibited travel along high-range routes towards Gavi after intense rainfall triggered flash floods along the Kakkattar River and caused soil slips. In Kozhencherry, Aranmula and Upper Kuttanad, overflowing rivers forced emergency evacuations, with Fire and Rescue teams deploying boats to move stranded residents to safety.
The floods have dealt a major blow to Kerala’s economy ahead of the Onam festival season. Retail establishments in Ranni, Mallappally and Kozhencherry reportedly suffered extensive losses after floodwaters submerged shops stocked with festive merchandise, while damage to local businesses is estimated to run into hundreds of crores.
Agriculture has also been severely impacted, with thousands of acres of ready-to-harvest Nendran banana plantations and paddy fields in Upper Kuttanad submerged, threatening pre-Onam crop supplies. Across the state, more than 27 houses have been completely destroyed and nearly 200 others partially damaged, leaving thousands dependent on relief shelters.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, along with local volunteers, continue rescue operations, using motorboats to evacuate stranded families and deliver essential relief materials as authorities monitor the evolving flood situation.
