Thiruvananthapuram, August 1, 2026: Kerala is grappling with relentless monsoon rains as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for eight districts and an Orange Alert for the remaining six, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. The adverse weather has already claimed three lives in separate landslides, while authorities have stepped up rescue and relief operations across the state.
The districts placed under Red Alert include Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasaragod, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur, where isolated locations are expected to receive exceptionally heavy rainfall. The remaining districts remain under Orange Alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy showers accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.
According to officials, the continuous downpour has triggered multiple landslides in hilly regions, particularly in Wayanad and Idukki, where unstable slopes and waterlogged terrain have increased the risk of further incidents. Three people lost their lives after landslides struck residential areas, while several families were evacuated to safer locations.
The heavy rainfall has led to flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing rivers, uprooted trees, and waterlogging on major roads, disrupting transportation and daily life. Several schools and educational institutions in affected districts have declared holidays, while district administrations are closely monitoring the situation.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised residents living near rivers, hillsides, and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and move to relief camps if instructed by local authorities. Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the Arabian Sea due to rough sea conditions and strong winds.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police, and local volunteers have been deployed across vulnerable districts. Emergency shelters have been opened, and control rooms are functioning round the clock to coordinate relief efforts.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reviewed the state’s preparedness and directed all district administrations to ensure the availability of relief materials, emergency medical assistance, and evacuation facilities. The government has appealed to citizens to follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
Meteorologists attribute the widespread rainfall to an active southwest monsoon combined with a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, which is expected to keep rainfall activity high across Kerala for the next few days.
Safety Advisory for Residents
Authorities have urged the public to:
- Avoid travel to hilly and landslide-prone regions unless absolutely necessary.
- Stay away from swollen rivers, reservoirs, and waterfalls.
- Follow weather updates issued by the IMD and district administrations.
- Keep emergency supplies, including food, drinking water, medicines, and flashlights, readily available.
- Contact local emergency services immediately in case of flooding or landslide threats.
The state administration remains on high alert as rescue teams continue monitoring vulnerable locations, with additional rainfall likely to worsen conditions in several districts.
