Heavy monsoon rains battered Kerala on Saturday, triggering multiple landslides across Idukki district, disrupting road connectivity and claiming at least one life. Rescue teams are continuing search operations after another person was feared trapped under debris, while authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for parts of the state, warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds over the next few hours.
One Person Killed in Vagamon Landslide
One of the worst incidents occurred in Vagamon, where a landslide struck a residential house. A man identified as Prabhakaran Nair, a native of Vaikom, lost his life after the house was buried under debris. Rescue workers have been battling difficult terrain and continuous rain while attempting to recover the body and clear the affected area.
Search On for Person Feared Trapped
In a separate landslide at Adoormala in Idukki district, officials believe another individual may still be trapped beneath mud and rocks.
Teams from the Fire and Rescue Services, district administration, and other emergency agencies have launched search operations despite adverse weather conditions. Authorities are using heavy machinery where possible, although persistent rainfall continues to hamper rescue efforts.
Major Highway Closed After Landslide
The heavy rain also caused severe disruption to transportation after a landslide struck near Machiplavu in Adimali on the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway.
A car and a Taurus lorry were caught in the debris, forcing officials to suspend traffic completely on the highway until the route can be cleared and declared safe. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes and avoid unnecessary travel through hilly areas.
Red Warning Issued by IMD
The IMD has warned of very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching around 60 kmph in several parts of Kerala.
The weather department has cautioned that continued rainfall could trigger additional landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging, especially in hilly districts. Residents in landslide-prone regions have been urged to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
Rescue and Relief Operations Continue
District authorities, police, and emergency response teams remain deployed across affected areas to assist stranded residents and monitor vulnerable locations.
Officials are continuously assessing the situation and have appealed to the public to avoid travelling through high-risk zones until weather conditions improve. Emergency services remain on standby as forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall may continue over the coming hours.
Authorities Appeal for Caution
With the southwest monsoon remaining active, the Kerala government has urged people living near hillsides, rivers, and low-lying areas to stay alert. Residents have been advised to avoid flooded roads, heed official warnings, and report any signs of soil movement or landslide risk to local authorities immediately.
As rescue efforts continue and weather conditions remain unstable, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further loss of life and ensure timely assistance reaches affected communities.
