Heavy Rain Triggers Deadly Landslides in Kerala Three Killed Rescue Operations Continue

Torrential rain continued to batter Kerala, triggering a series of landslides across Idukki and Kottayam districts that have claimed at least three lives. Rescue teams have been deployed to multiple locations as authorities fear several people may still be trapped beneath mud and debris.

The worst affected areas are in Idukki district, where continuous rainfall has weakened hill slopes and caused widespread destruction. Emergency personnel are carrying out search and rescue operations despite difficult weather conditions and unstable terrain.

In Vagamon, a major landslide struck a house, leading to the death of Prabhakaran Nair, a resident of Vaikom. Officials said his body had not yet been recovered as rescue workers continued searching through the debris. Authorities are also closely monitoring the situation as water levels in several small dams have risen sharply, prompting orders to open selected dam gates.

Another landslide was reported in the Adoormala area of Idukki, where officials suspect that at least one person remains trapped under the collapsed earth. Rescue teams equipped with heavy machinery and emergency equipment are working to locate anyone buried beneath the debris.

Elsewhere in the district, another woman lost her life after a landslide crashed onto a house. The continuous rainfall has significantly increased the risk of further slope failures, forcing authorities to remain on high alert in vulnerable regions.

A separate landslide near Machiplavu, close to Adimali on the Kochi Dhanushkodi National Highway, disrupted traffic after mud and large rocks blocked the roadway. The incident brought vehicle movement to a standstill, adding to the challenges faced by rescue personnel and local residents.

In neighbouring Kottayam district, a landslide at Payyanithottam in Poonjar claimed the life of Joseph, the son of Johny. Officials believe his mother may still be trapped beneath the debris, and search operations are continuing in the hope of finding her.

Another landslide in the Vagamon region has also raised fears that an additional person could be buried under the rubble after a house was hit. Rescue teams are carefully clearing the site while monitoring the possibility of further landslides caused by the persistent rain.

Heavy rainfall has also resulted in flood like conditions across several parts of Kottayam. Areas including Erattupetta, Kanjirappally, Koottickal and Erumeli have witnessed severe flooding, with residential neighbourhoods submerged and road connectivity disrupted in many places.

State authorities have intensified rescue and relief efforts across the affected districts. Disaster response teams, local officials and emergency services are coordinating operations to evacuate residents from high risk areas and provide assistance to those affected by the extreme weather.

With rain continuing across large parts of Kerala, officials have urged residents in landslide prone and low lying regions to remain alert, follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.