Kerala flood: Death toll reaches 21, six missing; IMD issues heavy rain alert

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 4 (IANS) The toll from Kerala’s relentless monsoon has climbed to 21, with six persons still missing, as heavy rain continues to wreak havoc across the state.

Floods, landslides and overflowing rivers have left thousands displaced, damaged homes and roads, and forced authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations in several districts.

Against this grim backdrop, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will on Tuesday visit the worst-hit areas of Ranni and Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district to take stock of the situation and review ongoing relief measures.

His first stop will be Aranmula at noon, where he is expected to hold discussions with district officials, assess the functioning of relief camps and review rescue operations before visiting other affected locations.

The visit assumes political significance as the government has come under attack over its handling of the disaster.

The Left Opposition has alleged lapses in coordination during the crucial early stages of the floods, questioning whether timely action could have reduced the impact of the disaster.

Even as rain eased in the forest catchment areas overnight, the situation in Pathanamthitta remains fragile.

Flood-like conditions continue in Ranni and Aranmula, where water levels in the Pamba, Achankovil and Kakkattar rivers remain high.

Authorities have warned residents living along riverbanks to remain vigilant as more rain has been forecast over the coming days.

The district administration has opened 74 relief camps, providing shelter to more than 3,000 people who have been forced to leave their homes.

Essential supplies are being distributed through the camps, while rescue teams remain on standby in vulnerable locations.

The travel ban to Gavi continued as a precaution, with officials advising people to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly and flood-prone areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy to very heavy rainfall across central and northern Kerala, raising fears of fresh flooding and landslides.

With the state still battling swollen rivers and saturated hillsides, the visit by the Chief Minister is expected to focus on strengthening disaster response, improving coordination among departments and ensuring that relief reaches affected families without delay.

–IANS

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