Floods and landslides in Kerala, India: 22 fatalities

Unprecedented rainfalls have caused water-level rise and landslides across Kerala (India) in the last few days.

According to the latest update, 22 people have died while 3 remain missing. Many families were forced to evacuate their houses to find safe shelters. In a tragic coincident, 2 families lost each 5 of their members after landslides struck Adimali in Idukki and Nilambur in Malappuram, respectively. In addition, 2 people in Ayyankunnu died when the concrete slab of their house fell on them as the building collapsed in a landslip of mud and debris.

Three shutters of the Idamalayar dam in Ernakulam district were opened due to water-level rise. According to Power minister M.M. Mani, Cheruthoni dam will also be lifted for a trial run and there will be a limited release of water when the level hits 2,398 feet. However, sources said the authorities have decided against conducting a trial run for now. 

Due to the events, a holiday was declared for schools and professional colleges in Iritti and Talipparamba taluks. Moreover, the University of Kannur postponed the examinations scheduled for Thursday, 9 of August.

At the same day, a 30-member group of the 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) stationed in Kannur was deployed in the flood-affected areas in Iritty taluk to aid in rescue operations.