Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Kerala on Wednesday, taking the death toll to 26 and displacing thousands of people across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more heavy rainfall in the coming days, issuing a red alert for two districts and an orange alert for several others.
According to the Kerala government, 11 people have been injured, while four remain missing. Chief Minister V D Satheesan said 27,048 people have been displaced due to the floods and announced enhanced compensation for families who have lost loved ones, homes and property.
Thousands shifted to relief camps
Authorities said more than 18,000 people have been relocated to over 400 relief camps across Kerala as floodwaters inundated several low-lying areas. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha remain among the worst-affected districts.
Since August 1, heavy rainfall has destroyed 52 houses and partially damaged 565 others. Rescue teams continue to assist affected residents as waterlogging persists in several parts of the state.
Northern districts, including Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod, have experienced intense rainfall, forcing many families, including elderly people, women and children, to move to safer locations.
IMD forecasts more rain
The IMD has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta and Kottayam, while widespread rainfall is expected across Kerala, coastal Karnataka and Telangana between August 5 and August 11.
The weather department has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Kerala and Mahe until August 8, and over Coastal and South Interior Karnataka until August 7.
Among the highest rainfall recorded, Panathur in Kasaragod district received 84 mm of rain, while Cheruvanchery in Kannur recorded 61 mm during the 24-hour period ending Wednesday.
Authorities have urged residents living in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain alert and follow official advisories as rescue and relief operations continue across the state.