SHABD, Kasaragod – Kerala
Torrential rain continues to cause great damage in Kerala’s northernmost district, Kasaragod, leading to landslides and widespread flooding. The most alarming incident was reported from Kottamala in Vellarikundu taluk, where a landslide early Tuesday morning caused major damage and forced several families to evacuate.
According to district officials, all major rivers in the region have overflowed their banks, submerging low-lying areas and cutting off road access in multiple panchayats. Rescue teams, including the Fire and Rescue Services and local police, have been deployed to high-risk zones to monitor the situation and assist in evacuations.
“We have shifted dozens of families to temporary relief camps set up in nearby schools and community halls,” said a disaster management official. “The situation remains tense, especially with the possibility of more rain in the next 24 to 48 hours.”
Residents of Panathady, Balal, and Vellarikundu have reported water entering their homes, damage to crops, and landslide threats in hilly areas. Local authorities have urged people living near riverbanks and slopes to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kasaragod and surrounding districts, forecasting continued heavy rainfall due to a strong monsoon along the Western Ghats.
Schools and colleges in affected have been temporarily closed, and electricity supply has been disrupted in several villages due to broken trees and damage to power lines.
As monsoon intensifies across Kerala, Kasaragod’s latest ordeal highlights the increasing vulnerability of hilly and riverine communities in the state. Authorities have priorities the need for both immediate response and long-term disaster preparedness in the wake of climate-induced extreme weather patterns.