Heavy rain continued to disrupt normal life across Kerala with flooding, landslides, road closures and rising river levels as per reports emerged on Monday morning from several districts. Rescue operations remain under way in the worst-hit areas, while the state government is set to review the situation at an emergency meeting later in the morning.

The Chief Minister will chair an online emergency meeting at 10 am to assess the rain situation. District collectors, the ministers for Home and Revenue, ministers in charge of individual districts and the Chief Secretary will participate. The meeting will review rain-related damage, relief camp operations, precautionary measures and the coordination of rescue efforts. Further directions to tackle the situation are also expected.

Although the intensity of rainfall has eased slightly in some places, heavy rain and widespread damage continue across Kerala. Yellow alerts remain in force in all districts.

Red alerts have been issued for the Moozhiyar, Kallarkutty, Irattayar, Lower Periyar, Peringalkuthu and Kuttiyadi dams due to heavy inflows, with authorities warning that water may have to be released. Kallarkutty, Pambla and Kallar dams are already releasing water.

The monsoon has claimed 11 lives in Kerala so far. 

Flood threat grows in central Kerala

In Pathanamthitta, authorities have warned that the Moozhiyar dam could open its shutters at any time following extremely heavy rainfall in its catchment. The release is expected to raise water levels in the Kakkattar and Pampa rivers. Residents living along the riverbanks have been asked to remain alert, while those in Ranni, Kozhencherry, Aranmula and Upper Kuttanad have been advised to move to safer locations as flooding is expected.

According to MLA Abin Varkey, Aranmula is facing a severe flood situation following mountain runoff from Ranni and water releases from the Moozhiyar dam. He said water levels could rise further over the next three to four hours. Rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fishing boats are continuing to evacuate stranded residents. More than 20 relief camps have already been opened, and authorities are prepared to open more if required.

Kottayam town and western parts of the district remain badly affected by flooding. Runoff from the Pala and Erattupetta regions has flowed into urban areas through the Meenachil River, leaving several houses largely submerged. Residents fear the situation could resemble the 2018 floods if water levels rise further.

People staying in relief camps have complained of inadequate facilities, including shortages of toilets, drinking water and cooking arrangements. Fire and Rescue Services are continuing evacuation work using inflatable boats. Authorities have also urged residents to move their pets and livestock to safety.

Landslides disrupt transport as reservoirs fill up

In Idukki, heavy overnight rain triggered landslides at several places, disrupting traffic. Movement remains partial on the Kattappana-Kumily state highway and the Vannappuram-Chelachuvadu road. Night travel has been banned on the Neriamangalam-Adimali route, while tourist destinations will remain closed until the weather warning is withdrawn.

The Irattayar dam remains under red alert. At the Malankara dam, the water level has crossed the red alert mark of 41.30 metres. Five shutters have already been raised by 50 centimetres and authorities have approved increasing the opening in phases to up to 1.5 metres to regulate inflows.

Officials warned that water levels in the Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers could rise significantly, posing a flood risk to low-lying areas. Water levels are also increasing at the Chengulam and Irattayar dams.

In Malappuram, a major landslide at Panakkad completely blocked traffic on the Parappanangadi-Nadukani state highway. Soil erosion that began in the morning developed into a large landslide, and authorities warned that further collapse is possible if rain continues. Police and officials are controlling traffic and taking precautionary measures. Local residents alleged that unscientific construction activity contributed to the landslide.

Relief efforts continue across affected districts

Strong winds and rain continue in Ernakulam, where low-lying areas of Muvattupuzha remain flooded. The Aluva Siva Temple is still partially submerged, while seven relief camps are functioning in the district.

In Kozhikode, rainfall has eased, bringing some relief. However, 826 people remain accommodated in 30 relief camps. Authorities also warned that water levels in the Kuttiyadi River could rise after the opening of the Kakkayam dam shutters.

Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly areas and stay away from rivers and the sea until weather conditions improve.