The death toll from rain-related incidents across Kerala has risen to 15, and seven people are missing, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said yesterday as rescue and relief work continued in parts of the state.
The latest update also underlines the human toll of torrential rains and flooding and road and highway destruction in Kerala. Search and rescue agencies are still hunting for the missing and rescue workers are helping people in the affected areas where flooding and rain-related disasters are happening, a government statement said.
Kerala has been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days, and there are many districts in Kerala are inundated, and mudslides in the low-lying and hilly areas are reported. The torrent has brought rivers and streams to swell, and landslides and flooding have also disrupted life in many areas.
The Chief Minister said the government and district authorities were monitoring the situation closely. Rescue teams, police personnel, Fire and Rescue Services, National Disaster Response Force personnel and other emergency agencies have been deployed in affected areas.
Search efforts are still ongoing for the seven missing people. In areas where flooding, landslides and dangerous terrain have complicated search efforts, the authorities will be stepping up search efforts to rescue them.
Pathanamthitta has been one of the districts under close watch because of heavy rainfall in the Sabarimala region and the rising water levels in Ranni and neighbouring areas. Reservoir levels have been kept in check and water releases have been made as needed.
The death toll is up from the earlier official report of eight deaths and eight missing persons. It also points to how quickly the disaster situation changes as authorities receive new information from the affected districts and carry out search operations.
The state government has mobilized emergency resources to assist in rescue and relief efforts. Fishing boats and helicopters have been deployed in some affected areas, and police, Fire and Rescue Services personnel and National Disaster Response Force teams are on the ground.
Relief measures are also being expanded to assist people who are displaced by flooding and landslides. Temporary relief camps have been set up in different districts to provide shelter and essential support for families displaced from their homes.
The heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage to houses, roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure. The level of destruction is still being assessed, and damage estimates may change as access improves and district-level surveys are performed.
The impact on farmers has also been a huge concern. Flooding and waterlogging have hit agricultural areas and crop losses are being assessed. Relief and compensation measures for families affected by the disaster, farmers, and those whose homes have been damaged will be reviewed by the state government.
We are here to take care of families who have lost relatives, and those who are affected by the rain-related disaster, the Chief Minister has said. The government has also announced relief measures, from immediate assistance to disaster relief for families with immediate needs and assistance to those who have suffered massive losses.
Residents of vulnerable areas were advised to remain alert and follow official directions. They were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to move to safer areas if local authorities say so.
Residents are warned not to venture into swollen rivers, cross flooded roads, or stand near water release points. Extreme rainfall intensity and reservoir inflows could change the situation in some areas very quickly.
The situation still remains under close watch as Kerala is still recovering from the monsoon. Although rainfall has decreased in some areas, floodwaters may not recede quickly, and landslide danger will persist in some areas.
The focus is on search and rescue efforts, recovery, and restoration of essential services in the affected areas, with 15 deaths and seven people missing.
The district authorities will provide updated information as emergency teams search for those who are missing.
