Monsoon Floods Kill 14, Displace Thousands in Southern India
KOCHI- Heavy monsoon rains and flooding swept across southern India over the weekend, killing at least 14 people, displacing thousands in Kerala and triggering a landslide in neighboring Karnataka, authorities and local media reported on Monday.
In Kerala, the death toll from rain-related incidents rose to 11 by Sunday, while nearly 7,700 people were evacuated to about 275 relief camps as floodwaters inundated several parts of the state, a state government minister said.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said he would meet district officials on Monday to review arrangements at relief camps and assess the ongoing response to the flooding. He said on Sunday that cleanup operations had already begun in areas where floodwaters had started to recede.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said the state was expected to experience moderate rainfall and strong winds in some areas on Monday, with authorities continuing to monitor weather conditions and potential risks.
The heavy rains also disrupted daily life across the state. Schools in many districts were closed, while the government postponed a state-level teacher recruitment examination because of the adverse weather.
In neighboring Karnataka, a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall killed three members of the same family on Saturday, according to The Hindu newspaper. The victims were identified as a couple and their son.
The latest fatalities brought the combined death toll from the severe weather across the two southern states to at least 14.
Seasonal monsoon rains are vital for India’s agriculture and water supplies, but they frequently trigger floods and landslides that damage infrastructure, disrupt transport and force thousands of people from their homes, particularly in vulnerable low-lying and hilly regions.
Authorities in Kerala continued relief and rehabilitation efforts while monitoring forecasts for additional rainfall. Emergency teams remained deployed in affected districts as displaced residents stayed in temporary shelters and officials worked to restore normal services.
