Kerala braces for the possibility of heavy rains on August 2
Kerala braced for the likelihood of heavy rains and flooding on Sunday (August 2, 2026), the latest in a string of stormy days that have
Kerala braced for the likelihood of heavy rains and flooding on Sunday (August 2, 2026), the latest in a string of stormy days that have wreaked havoc across the State. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 12 districts. It has warned of heavy rains and the possibility of flash floods, mudslides, and road and neighbourhood inundation in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod districts. Notably, the IMD has not issued any weather alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.
However, it has cautioned fishers from venturing into the rough seas. The Government has ordered respective district administrations to prepare themselves to meet any eventuality. It has also requisitioned the Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Kerala State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units for emergency deployment and stationed them in districts most vulnerable to mudslides and flash floods. Heavy rains, strong winds and flash flooding had belaboured the State on Saturday (August 1), leaving a trail of death and widespread destruction in its wake. According to government estimates, rain-related incidents claimed six lives, while another six persons were reported missing.
Landslips were reported in the forested regions of Idukki and Kottayam. Rivers in spate overflowed into commercial localities, submerging wares that traders had stocked in advance for the Onam shopping season. The gushing waters swept away vehicles parked on the roads. Power outages caused by uprooted pylons also hobbled mobile phone and internet coverage in several districts, including Idukki. So far, the government has opened 65 relief camps and moved 1,465 persons to safer ground. Kottayam remains one of the worst-affected districts, followed by Kannur. So far, storm waters have destroyed 17 houses and damaged at least 127.
The government has mobilised seagoing fishers and boats to assist emergency responders in search-and-rescue operations. It has cautioned people from visiting high-range and coastal holiday destinations. The government has ordered the Revenue Department to assess crop loss and building damage to disburse compensation. It will also announce ex gratia payments to families who lost breadwinners to the floods.
The BriefWire