Landslides and flooding hit Kerala amid heavy rains, 'orange alert' issued

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is grappling with landslides and flooding due to incessant heavy rains, primarily in Thiruvananthapuram district.

The region experienced intense waterlogging and flooding across streets, roads, and low-lying areas as the rains persisted.

Videos showcased the Technopark colony in Kazhakootam, a suburban area of Thiruvananthapuram, with water entering homes, necessitating evacuations. Multiple homes across the district were inundated by water, and some areas witnessed landslides, exacerbating the situation.

Rescue efforts involved the use of inflatable boats to evacuate individuals from affected homes to relief camps.

State General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who inspected the flooded areas, characterised the situation as unusual. Waterlogging persisted in numerous locations, and rising seawater levels contributed to the crisis. The district administration initiated relief operations and pledged comprehensive aid and support to affected residents.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan also visited flood-affected areas, with over 100 mm of rainfall recorded in the capital city and nearly double that near the international airport since Saturday night. These heavy rains have been a primary driver of waterlogging and flooding, he noted.

At a press briefing following a ministerial meeting, Sivankutty expressed concern over the significant impact of floods and waterlogging in many parts of Thiruvananthapuram. The ongoing situation required close monitoring, with key government officials called for duty.

Currently, 17 relief camps are operational in the district, providing shelter to 572 people. While the situation is under control, the gradual recession of floodwaters remains a priority.

Residents of Thiruvananthapuram and the state capital recalled that such severe flooding had not been witnessed since the 2018 floods. The unexpected flooding and water entering homes began suddenly post-midnight.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts and a yellow alert for eight districts across the state.

The IMD's forecasts predict isolated heavy rainfall across Kerala in the coming days.

An orange alert signifies very heavy rain, ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm, while a yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The alerts remain in effect, emphasising the ongoing threat posed by heavy rains and the need for continued vigilance and response efforts.