NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed profound sorrow on Sunday regarding the devastation caused by heavy rains in Kerala. He extended his condolences to the families of eight individuals who tragically lost their lives and urged party workers to assist in relief and recovery operations.
“Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by heavy rains across Kerala. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the eight people who have lost their lives. May those still missing be found safe, and the injured make a swift recovery,” he stated in a post on X.
Gandhi also noted that the state government was making every effort to support affected families and coordinate relief operations. “I urge all Congress workers and volunteers to assist these efforts in every possible way,” he added, emphasizing the need for vigilance, especially in hilly regions, while advising the public to follow the guidance of local authorities.
“Kerala stands united in this difficult hour. I stand firmly with every affected family,” Rahul Gandhi asserted.
The Chief Minister of Kerala, V D Satheesan, confirmed the fatalities, revealing that an equal number of individuals are missing, alongside 13 others who have been injured due to the torrential rains, which triggered landslides, severe waterlogging, and significant property damage across the state. He reported that 27 houses were completely destroyed, while 196 homes sustained partial damage. Additionally, 5,792 people have been relocated to 209 relief camps.
Satheesan urged the public to remain cautious, particularly in hilly areas, even as the rainfall subsided. He reassured that the government would provide assistance to the families of the deceased and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Revenue Minister A P Anilkumar informed reporters that the situation was improving and was under control. He noted that many damaged roads had been restored, although some restrictions on vehicular movement remain in place.
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, parts of the state received up to 320 mm of rainfall on Saturday, with Ayyankunnu in Kannur district recording the highest amounts. The torrential rains inundated low-lying and riverside areas, particularly affecting the districts of Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Wayanad, Kottayam, Kozhikode, and Kannur.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for 12 districts and a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, warning of flash floods between 2 PM and 8 PM. Heavy rainfall is predicted on the upcoming dates of August 2, 3, and 6, accompanied by strong winds reaching up to 50 km/h.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services cautioned about the potential for huge waves measuring between 2.7 to 3.5 meters along the northern coast of Kerala and advised fishermen and coastal residents to remain vigilant.
Despite the subsiding rains on Sunday morning, floodwaters had not receded in many areas. Residents were observed using small boats to navigate through inundated regions. The water levels in some power generation dams situated in Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Thrissur districts remain in critical status, as indicated by KSDMA.
State Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh reported the deployment of an additional NDRF team to aid rescue operations in Pathanamthitta and Aranmula, along with fire force units from Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Ernakulam. Fishermen and fishing boats were also mobilized for a quick response.
