New Delhi, August 2: Heavy monsoon rains have left a trail of destruction across Kerala, claiming eight lives, leaving eight people missing and forcing nearly 5,800 residents into relief camps. Landslides, flash floods and widespread waterlogging battered the state since Friday night, destroying 27 homes completely and damaging 196 others.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan confirmed the toll on Sunday, noting that 13 people were injured. The worst-hit districts include Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Wayanad and Kannur, where some areas recorded over 300 mm of rainfall in a single day.
An India Meteorological Department orange alert remains in force for 12 districts, though rainfall intensity has begun to ease. Rescue operations continue, and cleaning drives have started in flood-affected areas. The government has promised financial aid to bereaved families and those who lost homes or livelihoods.
The Kerala crisis forms part of a broader monsoon onslaught across India. In Assam, the flood situation showed slight improvement, with the number of affected people dropping to 1.78 lakh across seven districts. The cumulative death toll there stands at 82, with no fresh fatalities reported in the last 24 hours. Rivers such as the Dikhow and Dhansiri continue to flow above danger levels in places.
Karnataka is also reeling, with major rivers including the Tunga, Bhadra and Cauvery overflowing after intense rains. A landslide in Shivamogga district killed a family of three. The coastal and Malnad regions remain under an orange alert. Authorities nationwide are on high alert as the active monsoon continues to test preparedness.
In Kerala, officials have urged residents in hilly areas to stay vigilant while relief and restoration efforts gather pace. The dual challenge of saving lives and rebuilding communities underscores the growing intensity of extreme weather events during India’s monsoon season.
JANPATH NEWS NETWORK (JNN)
Independent. Fearless. On the People’s Path.
