Red Alert Issued in Kottayam as Rain Triggers Floods, Landslides

Torrential overnight rainfall triggered landslides, flash floods and widespread disruption across Kerala's Kottayam district on Saturday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the region. The severe weather claimed one life, left another person missing and inundated several towns, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate to safer locations. Rescue teams, district authorities and emergency services remain on high alert as heavy rain continues to affect the district.

The fatality was reported from Poonjar town, where a landslide struck a house. Rescue personnel recovered the body of Josephin Johny Manappattu, while search operations continued for his wife, Regina, who remained missing. Authorities said the heavy rainfall had significantly increased the risk of further landslides in the district's hilly areas, prompting officials to closely monitor vulnerable locations and intensify rescue efforts.

The worst flooding was reported in Erattupetta municipality, where sudden flash floods submerged large parts of the town, leaving several areas virtually cut off. Residents said water levels exceeded those witnessed during the devastating 2018 Kerala floods. Fire Force personnel and local volunteers rescued people stranded on the upper floors of flooded homes, while traffic across the municipality came to a standstill. Floodwaters also inundated Koottickal, Mundakkayam, Kanjirappally, Erumeli, Parathode and Manimala after rivers and streams overflowed following continuous heavy rain.

Also Read: 118 Roads Closed In Uttarakhand, Rivers Swollen As Red Alert Issued

The Manimala and Pullakayar rivers breached their banks, submerging causeways and disrupting road connectivity in multiple locations. Floodwaters entered homes, shops and commercial establishments, while fresh landslides were reported from Kokkayar, Koottickal and other high-range areas. At Theekkoy, officials reported that nearly 30 acres of land were washed away, four houses were destroyed and the main road was submerged. Heavy runoff from surrounding hills caused extensive damage to infrastructure and agricultural land across several parts of the district.

District Collector Chetan Kumar Meena urged residents living near the Meenachil and Manimala rivers and those in landslide-prone hilly regions to remain vigilant and relocate immediately if instructed by authorities. Officials from the revenue department, police, Fire Force and local self-government bodies have been coordinating evacuation and rescue operations. Six relief camps have already been established, with additional facilities ready to be opened if required as the situation evolves.

In response to the widespread damage, local MLA Mani C. Kappan, the District Collector, Revenue Divisional Officer and other officials reviewed the situation and planned visits to the worst-affected high-range regions to assess the damage and oversee relief work. The district administration has also activated 24-hour control rooms at the Collectorate and all taluk headquarters to coordinate rescue operations and provide assistance to affected residents. Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near rivers, waterlogged areas and landslide-prone hill regions, until weather conditions improve.

Also Read: Kerala Places Wayanad On Red Alert Following Fatal Landslide During Heavy Rains