The Southern India floods have claimed at least 14 lives and forced thousands of people from their homes after heavy rains battered the states of Kerala and Karnataka over the weekend. Authorities have launched rescue and relief operations as flooding, strong winds, and landslides continue to affect several districts.
In Kerala, at least 11 people have died in rain-related incidents, while nearly 7,700 residents have been evacuated to approximately 275 relief camps, according to state officials. Floodwaters inundated residential areas, disrupted transportation, and damaged public infrastructure, prompting emergency response teams to assist affected communities.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said he would meet district officials to review relief operations and arrangements at evacuation centres. He also confirmed that clean-up activities had already begun in several flood-hit areas as authorities worked to restore normal life and provide essential services to displaced families.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority warned that moderate rainfall and strong winds were expected to continue in parts of the state. Officials urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, follow weather advisories, and cooperate with emergency services as changing weather conditions could increase flood risks.
The severe weather also disrupted daily life across Kerala. Several schools remained closed due to safety concerns, while the state government postponed a scheduled teacher recruitment examination to ensure the safety of candidates and staff amid the continuing adverse weather.
In neighbouring Karnataka, heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that killed three members of the same family, including a couple and their son. Local authorities deployed rescue teams to the affected area and continued monitoring hillside regions vulnerable to additional landslides as rainfall persisted.
The Southern India floods have once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme monsoon weather. Disaster management agencies continue rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts while urging people living in flood-prone areas to stay alert as forecasts indicate further rainfall in the coming days.
