Kerala is enduring extreme weather conditions with relentless heavy rains, resulting in the death of seven people and significant disruption to daily life. Landslides have caused considerable damage to numerous homes. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) reported that over a thousand electric poles have fallen, and many transformers have been damaged.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts moderate rain with strong winds up to 50 kmph in districts such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod in the coming hours.
In a tragic incident in Thiruvananthapuram, Molly (42), wife of Satheesan of Tholikkode Parappara, died when a banyan tree fell on her car. The accident occurred near Aaramkallu on the Perurukada-Nedumangad road. Her friend, the driver, is currently receiving treatment at the Medical College Hospital. Molly was trapped in the wrecked car for an extended period.
On Tuesday alone, six other individuals lost their lives due to the continuous rainfall. In Kannambra near Vadakkancheri, a mother, Sulochana (54), and her son Ranjith died when their house’s wall collapsed while they were sleeping. TC Reji (49) of Mepral in Pathanamthitta was electrocuted in a large puddle near a church. Sudhan (32) of Cheeyambam in Wayanad also died from electrocution due to a broken electric line. Thazhe Kuniyil Chandrasekharan (62) drowned after falling into a canal in Mahe. In Idukki’s Mankulam, Saneesh (23) drowned in a river.
Heavy rain has caused a hill to collapse, flooding the Wayanad-Kalpetta Bypass with rocks, stones, and mud, making it impassable. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, responded promptly, using JCB to clear the road and restore traffic. A landslide on the Kannur-Wayanad road at Palchuram also caused significant traffic disruptions.
In Pallikkara, Ernakulam, a house collapsed due to a landslide, but the residents, Jomon and his family, escaped unhurt. Jomon recounted, “The incident happened around 10:30 last night. We were just about to have dinner when we heard a noise and saw the hillside moving. We immediately rushed out. If we had been five minutes late, we wouldn’t be alive today.”
Kerala is experiencing the heaviest rainfall of this monsoon season, severely affecting normal life in many areas. Northern Kerala has been particularly hard-hit, suffering extensive damage. According to the IMD, Thrissur, Idukki, and Kozhikode have received the most rain during this spell. The heavy rains are expected to continue until August 3 due to a low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal on the 19th. Idukki and Central Kerala are expected to receive more rain in the coming days. State authorities remain on high alert, advising residents to stay cautious and prepared for further adverse conditions.
