'Those who have not installed the Sachet app should do so': KSDMA after deadly Central Kerala rain

Thiruvananthapuram: Central Kerala witnessed an exceptionally heavy spell of rainfall on Saturday, triggering landslides, mudslides and flooding that claimed four lives, according to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).

Speaking to reporters, KSDMA Member Secretary Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose said the worst-affected areas stretched from Pathanamthitta through Kottayam and Idukki to the Ernakulam border.

"As of this morning, the major impact has been reported from the Pathanamthitta-Kottayam-Idukki belt extending up to the Ernakulam border. Vadasserikkara recorded about 302 mm of rainfall in less than 24 hours, while Lahai received nearly 260 mm. This was an exceptionally heavy spell of rain," he said.

The fatalities were reported in separate landslides in Idukki and Kottayam districts, while severe flooding affected several parts of Pathanamthitta district.

Kuriakose said the intense rainfall had triggered multiple mudslides and slope collapses behind houses. However, he credited advance warnings issued by the KSDMA with helping many residents move to safer locations before the worst of the weather struck.

"We had repeatedly warned that very heavy rain was expected. Many people acted on those warnings and shifted to safer locations in advance. That helped reduce the impact in several places," he said.

The KSDMA had disseminated alerts through SMS messages, local warning systems and the Centre's Sachet mobile application.

"People should continue to pay attention to official warnings. Those who have not installed the Sachet app should do so, as it provides location-specific alerts," Kuriakose said.

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He also warned that runoff from the high ranges was expected to raise water levels in downstream rivers over the next few hours, prompting district administrations, including those in the Kuttanad region, to remain on alert.

"The runoff from the high ranges will reach downstream areas over the next one to two hours. District administrations, including those in the Kuttanad region, have already been alerted and are prepared," he said.

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While rainfall was expected to gradually ease in the southern districts, Kuriakose cautioned that strong winds and rough weather were likely to persist in parts of northern Kerala.

"Rainfall has started decreasing in the south, and water levels are beginning to recede. However, coastal areas in the northern districts may continue to experience strong winds and rough weather," he added.