Heavy rains and deadly floods in southern India kill 14, displace thousands
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Heavy rains and floods have struck southern India, particularly the state of Kerala, over the weekend.
- At least 11 people have died in rain-related incidents in Kerala, with thousands evacuated to relief camps.
- A landslide in neighboring Karnataka state killed at least three people.
Southern India is grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains and severe flooding that battered parts of the region over the weekend, leading to significant loss of life and displacement. The state of Kerala has been particularly hard-hit, with authorities reporting at least 11 deaths due to rain-related incidents by Sunday.
Thousands of residents in Kerala have been evacuated, with nearly 7,700 people taking shelter in approximately 275 relief camps. Kerala's Chief Minister VD Satheesan is scheduled to meet with district officials to assess the arrangements at these camps, while clean-up operations have reportedly begun in flood-affected areas. The state's disaster management authority anticipates continued strong winds and moderate rainfall on Monday.
The death toll in rain-related incidents rose to 11 by Sunday, and nearly 7,700 people were evacuated to around 275 relief camps across Kerala, a state government minister said.
The severe weather has disrupted daily life, forcing the closure of numerous schools across Kerala. Additionally, a state-level teacher recruitment examination has been postponed due to the ongoing conditions.
In the neighboring northern state of Karnataka, the heavy rainfall triggered a devastating landslide on Saturday that claimed the lives of a couple and their young son, according to news reports. The full extent of the damage and the number of displaced individuals across both states are still being assessed as rescue and relief efforts continue.
Kerala's Chief Minister VD Satheesan said on Monday he would be meeting district officials to review relief camp arrangements. On Sunday, he said that clean-up operations had begun in flood-affected areas.
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.