Twenty-one people have died as relentless monsoon rains trigger floods, landslides and displacement, with more heavy rain forecast statewide…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The death toll from Kerala’s ongoing monsoon disaster has risen to 21, while six people remain missing as heavy rainfall continues to batter the state, triggering floods, landslides and large-scale displacement.
Authorities have intensified rescue and relief operations across several districts after swollen rivers, damaged roads and landslides disrupted normal life. Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes and move to relief camps.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to visit the worst-affected areas of Ranni and Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district on Tuesday to assess the damage and review relief efforts. His visit will begin in Aranmula, where he is expected to meet district officials, inspect relief camps and evaluate ongoing rescue operations before travelling to other affected locations.
The visit comes as the state government faces criticism from the Left Opposition, which has questioned the administration’s handling of the disaster and alleged delays in coordination during the early stages of the emergency.
Although rainfall eased overnight in the forest catchment areas, officials said the situation in Pathanamthitta remains critical. Water levels in the Pamba, Achankovil and Kakkattar rivers continue to stay high, keeping flood conditions in Ranni and Aranmula under close watch.
District authorities have urged people living near riverbanks and in landslide-prone areas to remain alert as further heavy rainfall is expected over the coming days.
A total of 74 relief camps have been opened in Pathanamthitta, providing shelter to more than 3,000 displaced residents. Officials said essential supplies are being distributed regularly while rescue teams remain deployed in vulnerable locations.
The precautionary travel ban to Gavi remains in force, with authorities advising against non-essential travel to hilly and flood-prone regions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across central and northern Kerala over the next few days, increasing the risk of fresh flooding and landslides.
State officials said the Chief Minister’s review will focus on strengthening disaster response, improving coordination among agencies and ensuring relief and rehabilitation assistance reaches affected families without delay.
