Kerala rain fury claims eight lives as search for missing continues
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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan confirmed on Sunday that rain-related disasters across the state have claimed eight lives, injured 13 people, and left eight others missing, while assuring comprehensive government assistance for affected families.
In a social media statement, Chief Minister Satheesan noted that state authorities remain in continuous communication with the Revenue Minister, district-in-charge ministers, and local administrations to manage relief efforts. Although a reduction in rainfall offers a brief respite, the government has urged political workers and voluntary organizations to join hands in ongoing cleanup operations.
According to official figures, 5,792 individuals have been relocated to 209 relief camps, with 27 homes completely destroyed and 196 partially damaged. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that financial aid will be extended to compensate for the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods, while maintaining high vigilance in landslide-prone hilly terrains.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for 12 districts—including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod—warning of potential flash floods, mudslides, and severe waterlogging.
Water levels in major reservoirs have triggered additional emergency protocols; red alerts were issued for the Moozhiyar, Kallarkutty, Erattayar, Lower Periyar, and Peringalkuttu dams, while an orange alert remains active for the Kuttiyadi dam under the Kerala State Electricity Board. State disaster management agencies continue to coordinate emergency response mechanisms to mitigate further risks.
(Inputs from IANS)