Kerala flash flood and landslides death toll reaches 10 after last victim found
Search teams recovered the last missing victim of the Kottapuzha River flash flood in Malappuram on September 22, bringing the flood toll to six. Separate landslides in Kottayam and Idukki killed four others on September 20, raising the total to 10 deaths across three districts. Rescue operations involved NDRF, fire services, and local volunteers.
The Kottapuzha River flood struck during late afternoon hours on September 20, catching residents of T.K. Colony off guard. Local community members and a medical assistance committee managed to evacuate roughly 27 stranded individuals before official teams arrived. Recovery efforts spanned three days, with the final body discovered on September 22, ending the search for missing persons in that area.
The two landslides occurred under different circumstances — one hitting a temporary farm shelter in Idukki where people had taken refuge from rain, and two separate slides in Kottayam affecting a roadside location and a private home. Following the events, state authorities ordered continuous monitoring and potential evacuations, while weather forecasts placed seven districts under yellow alert for the following day.
The loss of ten lives across three districts highlights how vulnerable Kerala's hilly terrain remains to sudden weather events. Families of the deceased face emotional and financial strain, with compensation pending cabinet approval. The state's decision to regulate access to unofficial tourist spots may reduce future casualties but could affect local tourism livelihoods. Continued yellow alerts suggest further disruption for residents and travelers, particularly in landslide-prone areas where informal shelters offer limited protection.