Heavy rain hits Kerala: Schools closed, flood warnings issued as IMD forecasts more rain

Heavy rain has continued in Kerala, prompting the closure of schools in nine districts and issuing flood and landslide warnings as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts more rainfall and strong winds. The situation has led to significant damage, with over 30 homes completely destroyed and 293 partially damaged. Authorities have opened 273 relief camps, sheltering 7,674 people, while rescue operations are ongoing with support from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Rescue Services and police teams. The death toll from rain-related incidents in Kerala has reached 11, according to official figures.

Heavy rainfall and flood risks

The IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts in Kerala, including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur, while other districts remain under a yellow alert. The weather agency forecasts isolated heavy rainfall, with some areas expected to receive 7 cm to 11 cm of rain within 24 hours. Officials have warned that continued rainfall could trigger waterlogging, traffic disruptions, landslides in vulnerable regions and lightning incidents. In response, fishermen have been advised not to venture into affected sea areas.

Residents in landslide-prone areas have been advised to move to safer locations if instructed by authorities. The heavy rainfall has also caused damage in Chhattisgarh, where more than 50 houses were damaged and two girls died in the flooding. Flood-affected resident Sonaru Ram described the sudden rainfall as unprecedented, with around 16 houses washed away and belongings lost.

Relief efforts and compensation for damaged property

Kerala Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar said compensation for damaged houses and property would be processed quickly, with the first instalment transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Chhattisgarh Minister Kedar Kashyap noted that rainfall between July 28 and 30 was “manifold higher than the average rainfall”, creating conditions similar to a cloudburst. The state government said relief materials were being distributed and efforts were underway to assist displaced residents. Assam continues to battle a severe flood situation, with the death toll rising to 82. Two fresh deaths were reported in Sivasagar and Charaideo, with over 1.92 lakh people affected across five districts. Villagers in Sivasagar’s Nepali Khuti area used six country-made boats to rescue more than 1,000 people from five villages after floodwaters entered homes.

The Centre has sanctioned relief assistance to several states, including Rs 500 crore each for Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha, Rs 379.35 crore for Assam, Rs 193.95 crore for Himachal Pradesh and Rs 44.55 crore for Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the Centre is coordinating with state governments and providing support, including deployment of NDRF teams and logistical assistance. Assam and Uttarakhand remain on high alert due to rising water levels, while Gujarat, Odisha and Himalayan states are also on alert due to heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions.