Kerala is gearing up for another round of severe weather conditions, with expectations of heavy rains and potential flooding on Sunday, August 2, 2026. This comes as the State continues to experience a series of stormy days that have already caused significant disruption.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert across 12 districts, warning of heavy rains that could lead to flash floods, mudslides, and inundation of roads and neighborhoods. The districts under alert include Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod.
Interestingly, no weather alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. However, caution has been advised for fishers against venturing into the rough seas.
In preparation for possible emergencies, the Kerala government has instructed district administrations to be on high alert. They have also mobilized the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Kerala State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for rapid deployment in areas that are most at risk of mudslides and flash floods.
Conditions on Saturday, August 1, were severe, with heavy rains and strong winds leading to flooding and destruction across the state. According to reports, rain-related incidents have led to the deaths of six individuals, while another six are currently missing.
Particularly troubling were landslides reported in the forested regions of Idukki and Kottayam. Rivers inundated local businesses, submerging goods that merchants had prepared in advance for the upcoming Onam shopping season. The flooding also swept away several vehicles parked along roads.
The severe weather has resulted in power outages caused by uprooted pylons, which have disrupted mobile phone and internet connectivity in various districts, especially in Idukki. To date, the government has established 65 relief camps and relocated 1,465 individuals to safer areas.
Among the worst-hit districts are Kottayam and Kannur, with storm waters destroying 17 homes and damaging at least 127 others. The government has also enlisted seagoing fishers and boats to support emergency response teams in search-and-rescue efforts. Citizens have been advised to refrain from visiting elevated and coastal tourist destinations.
Furthermore, the government has directed the Revenue Department to assess damages related to crop loss and buildings to facilitate compensation for affected families. Plans for ex gratia payments are also being formulated for families who have lost their primary earners due to the floods.
