Southern India Reels from Deadly Floods and Landslides; Thousands Displaced
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Heavy rains and floods have struck southern India, particularly the state of Kerala, causing at least 11 deaths and displacing thousands.
- A landslide in neighboring Karnataka killed at least three people.
- Authorities have evacuated nearly 7,700 people to relief camps in Kerala, and clean-up operations have begun.
Southern India is grappling with severe weather as heavy rains and floods battered parts of the region over the weekend, resulting in 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.
In addition to the fatalities in Kerala, a devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in the neighboring state of Karnataka claimed the lives of a couple and their son on Saturday, according to reports. The relentless downpour has forced thousands of residents to seek refuge, with nearly 7,700 people evacuated to approximately 275 relief camps across Kerala.
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.
State officials are actively responding to the crisis. Kerala's Chief Minister V D Satheesan is scheduled to meet with district officials to review the arrangements at relief camps. He confirmed on Sunday that clean-up operations had commenced in flood-affected areas. The state's disaster management authority has forecast strong winds and moderate rainfall for Monday in some areas, indicating the potential for continued adverse weather conditions.
The severe weather has disrupted daily life, leading to the closure of numerous schools across Kerala. Furthermore, a state-level teacher recruitment examination has been postponed as a consequence of the ongoing emergency. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the immediate challenges faced by authorities in managing relief and recovery efforts.
On Sunday, he said clean-up operations had begun in flood-affected areas.
Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.