Torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Kerala and coastal Karnataka on Friday, triggering landslides, flooding, widespread power outages, and disrupting daily life in both states.
Authorities have issued red alerts in several districts as the situation continues to worsen.
In Kerala, heavy downpours led to extensive damage and waterlogging across multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasargod, and orange alerts for 11 other districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Kottayam.
Flooding in low-lying areas of Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta forced hundreds of residents to seek refuge in relief camps.
State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, expressing concern about the worsening situation in his hometown Chengannur, said: “Am told by people in the know of things that if the rain waters do not come down, what was witnessed in 2018 might happen.”
“All district and revenue officials are on high alert and have been instructed to act swiftly if conditions deteriorate further,” Cherian told IANS.
Public life has been significantly disrupted – educational institutions were closed in 11 out of 14 districts, train services were cancelled or delayed, and road transport suffered due to landslides and uprooted trees.
Over five million homes experienced power outages, with the Kerala State Electricity Board estimating damages worth Rs 120 crore. In a tragic incident, an 85-year-old woman died in Ernakulam district after a tree fell on her during the storm.
In coastal Karnataka, a six-year-old girl identified as Fathima Nayeema lost her life in a landslide in Montepadavu, Ullal taluk, near Mangaluru. The landslide buried two houses, prompting emergency rescue operations. While two people were pulled out safely, rescue efforts for three others trapped under debris are ongoing.
In Mangaluru, relentless rain flooded several areas, with around 50 houses inundated in Kallapu, leading to emergency evacuations. The district administration declared a holiday for all schools, Anganwadi centres, and colleges, and issued strict advisories against venturing near the sea. Similar precautions were taken in Udupi, where educational institutions were also shut.
The IMD has issued a red alert in Karnataka for Mangaluru, Udupi, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan until June 2, while orange alerts are in place for Karwar, Shivamogga, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, and Bidar.
Emergency helpline numbers have been issued, and a ban has been imposed on visiting beaches, rivers, and waterfalls in the affected coastal regions.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru remained under a cloudy sky, with weather authorities predicting more rainfall in the coming days.
(With inputs from IANS)