Keralam: One killed, another feared trapped as heavy rain triggers multiple landslides
Idukki, August 1
Heavy rainfall on Saturday has triggered a series of devastating landslides across Keralam's Idukki district, leaving one person dead and another feared trapped under debris.
In Vagamon, a landslide struck a residential house, leading to the death of a man identified as Prabhakaran Nair, a native of Vaikom. While the fatality has been confirmed, authorities stated that his body has not yet been recovered as rescue teams continue to navigate the difficult terrain.
In a separate incident, another landslide was reported at Adoormala. Local officials fear that one person is currently trapped under the mud and rubble at the site, and search operations are underway.
The deluge also caused significant disruption to essential infrastructure. A major landslide occurred near Machiplavu in Adimali on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway. The landslide led to a total suspension of traffic on the crucial route after a car and a Taurus lorry were caught in the sliding debris.
Rescue workers and district authorities are on the ground to clear the highway and locate the missing persons. The district administration has cautioned residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant as heavy rains continue to lash the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a red warning today for thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds of around 60 kmph and heavy rain exceeding 15 mm per hour in several districts of Gujarat and Keralam for the next two to three hours.
In Keralam, the red warning is in effect for the Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts.
The IMD has also issued an orange warning for thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds of 40-60 kmph and moderate rain of 5-15 mm per hour in several districts of Keralam, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Assam.
In Kerala, the orange warning covers Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Lakshadweep, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Wayanad.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The way these landslides keep happening in Idukki, something needs to be done about building regulations in the hills. How many more lives have to be lost before we take climate change seriously? 😞
Praying for all those affected. The resilience of the people of Kerala is inspiring, but we all need to reflect on our environmental practices. Climate change is real and it's hitting us hard.
My family is from Idukki and this is so painful to watch. The government should have early warning systems in place for these vulnerable areas. Also, why is the highway still blocked? Need action now!
It's tragic that we see this every year. We talk about development but ignore environmental impact. Building houses on steep slopes is risky. Authorities should enforce stricter land use rules.
Sending love and strength to Kerala from Canada. The Red Alert warnings from IMD should be taken very seriously. I hope rescue teams reach the trapped person in time. 🙏
This is a wake-up call. We need better infrastructure, proper drainage systems, and proactive evacuation plans before the monsoon hits. Politicians should stop photo-ops and focus on real solutions.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.