Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across Kerala, causing widespread destruction, claiming lives, disrupting transportation, and triggering concerns of further weather-induced emergencies.
According to Malayalam media reports, 27 people have lost their lives across the state over the past week, including eight deaths reported in a single day on Friday. Additionally, four individuals remain missing.
Triggered by an active low-pressure system over the region, intense rainfall has been lashing most parts of the state, particularly affecting the central and northern districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Orange Alerts in four districts — Kannur, Kasaragod, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha — and Yellow Alerts in the remaining districts, warning of isolated heavy to very heavy showers over the next 48 hours. Although the IMD has stated there is no immediate chance of extremely heavy rainfall, authorities have maintained a high state of alert across Kerala.
The coastal regions remain particularly vulnerable. Nine fishermen who ventured into the sea from Vizhinjam on the night of May 29 went missing; four of them have since been located near Kanyakumari. The search for the remaining five continues, hampered by strong winds and rough sea conditions.
Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has reported widespread train delays across the state due to the persistent downpour. Services including the Mysuru–Thiruvananthapuram Express, Gorakhpur–Rapti Sagar Express, Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Special, and Chennai–Guruvayur Express have experienced delays ranging from 30 minutes to 4.5 hours. The Vande Bharat Express from Mangaluru to Thiruvananthapuram departed 1.5 hours late, with several other inter-state services also running behind schedule.
In the worst-affected areas, floodwaters have entered homes, roads are submerged, and landslides have been reported in hilly districts such as Idukki and Wayanad. Authorities have opened the shutters of major dams including Idukki, Kallarkutty, Malankara, and Peringalkuthu, raising flood risks in downstream regions. Residents in low-lying areas have been asked to evacuate, and relief camps have been set up with food, clean drinking water, and medical assistance.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged citizens to stay alert and strictly follow advisories issued by the State Disaster Management Authority. Control rooms have been activated in all districts, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are engaged in rescue and relief operations.
The Meteorological Department has warned of continuing rainfall over the coming days. If the current trend persists, further dam water releases may become necessary. Schools have been temporarily closed in multiple districts, and fishermen are prohibited from venturing into the sea until further notice.
As Kerala grapples with yet another monsoon crisis, the government has appealed for public cooperation and vigilance to minimize loss of life and property. Authorities emphasized the state's increasing vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, calling for stronger long-term disaster preparedness.