Monsoon worsens in Kerala; hundreds evacuated to relief camps

Thiruvananthapuram: With monsoon rains intensifying across Kerala, hundreds of residents from low-lying regions have been relocated to relief camps as floodwaters entered their homes. Several roads have been submerged, and widespread inundation has disrupted normal life in the high ranges and nearby towns, particularly in the northern districts.

According to local accounts, the swelling of rivers and their overflowing tributaries are the primary causes behind the flooding of residential areas. In Kasaragod, the Madhuvahini River overflowed, washing away roads and flooding numerous houses. Residents were seen taking shelter on the upper floors of their homes after floodwaters inundated the ground floors.

The situation remains grim in the neighbouring districts of Kozhikode and Kannur, where relentless downpours have led to significant damage. In Payyannur, Kannur, wooden country boats and fibre boats were tied in front of houses as a precautionary measure. “Boats are kept ready as we fear we may be forced to move to relief camps if the floodwaters continue to rise,” an elderly man told a television channel.

Authorities have opened more relief camps across southern Kerala in response to the worsening situation. In Kottayam district alone, 46 relief camps have been set up, currently sheltering 1,136 individuals, as per official figures. In neighbouring Alappuzha, 26 camps have been opened, accommodating 851 people. The district administration confirmed that 19 houses were destroyed on Friday alone.

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds, with gusts occasionally reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour, in several districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur.

With PTI inputs