IDUKKI: The intensifying northeast monsoon brought heavy rainfall to Kerala’s Idukki district on Sunday (October 19, 2025), claiming its first life and causing widespread damage across the hilly region. Torrential overnight rain led to flash floods, mudslides, power outages, and disruption of communication networks, leaving several localities cut off and authorities on high alert.
Roads submerged, vehicles washed away
According to district officials, continuous downpour since Saturday night inundated major roads, flooded low-lying residential areas, and caused significant damage to infrastructure. Several parked vehicles were swept away by the force of the water in areas like Cheruthoni, Thodupuzha, and Munnar, where water levels rose rapidly.
Traffic movement along key routes, including sections of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway and the Munnar–Adimali road, came to a standstill due to landslides and debris flow. Local authorities deployed emergency teams to clear blocked stretches and rescue stranded travellers.
One life lost, many displaced
Officials confirmed one death after a man was swept away by floodwaters near Kattappana. Rescue operations were immediately launched, and search teams recovered the body later in the morning. Several families from landslide-prone zones have been relocated to temporary shelters set up in schools and community halls.
District Collector Sheeba George said, “We have urged people living near riverbanks and hill slopes to move to safer areas. Continuous monitoring is underway, and all taluk control rooms are active.”
Powerlines, networks hit
Heavy rainfall also disrupted electricity and mobile connectivity in several parts of Idukki. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) reported multiple snapped lines and damaged transformers, while telecom operators faced outages due to tower faults and fallen trees. Repair work was hampered by persistent rain and difficult terrain.
IMD issues orange alert for multiple districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kottayam districts, forecasting more intense rainfall over the next 48 hours. Meteorologists attribute the surge in rain to an active northeast monsoon phase combined with a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) officials warned that the situation could worsen if rainfall persists, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid waterlogged or landslide-prone regions.
Relief operations underway
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire and rescue units have been deployed in vulnerable zones. Evacuation efforts are ongoing in parts of Adimali, Vazhathope, and Rajakkad, where rising water levels have entered homes. Volunteers and local NGOs are distributing food and essential supplies to displaced families.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences over the loss of life and assured that relief measures would be strengthened. “All departments have been directed to coordinate and ensure timely assistance,” he said in a statement.
Monsoon likely to intensify further
Weather experts predict the northeast monsoon will intensify further across south and central Kerala over the coming week. With the ground already saturated, the risk of flash floods and landslides remains high in Idukki, Wayanad, and Kottayam districts.
As the state braces for more rain, officials have urged the public to follow updates from local authorities and avoid venturing near swollen rivers or unstable slopes.