Published Sep 20, 2026 | 11:41 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 20, 2026 | 11:42 PM
So far, six deaths have been confirmed in rain-related incidents across the state on Sunday.
Synopsis: Two people were killed, and four remain missing after a flash flood swept away nine people in Malappuram’s Nilambur. Two others were killed in rain-related incidents in Kottayam and Idukki. Heavy rain triggered landslides and flooding across several districts, prompting search operations and precautionary measures by authorities.
Two people were killed, while four remain missing, after a flash flood in the Kottapuzha River in Malappuram district’s Nilambur swept away nine people on Sunday, September 20.
Three others who were caught in the strong currents were rescued.
The incident occurred along the Ularvattam-TK Colony stretch, where the river separates Chokkad and Amarambalam panchayats. The water level rose suddenly after heavy rain in the upstream forest areas despite no rain at the spot.
The Malappuram District Disaster Management Authority confirmed the recovery of two male bodies. Their identities are yet to be established.
Among those missing are Sajitha, a resident of TK Colony, and three youths from Vandoor.
Fire Force personnel, police and residents launched a search operation, which was hampered by strong currents and poor visibility.
Nilambur Fire and Rescue Station officer Nishant told South First the rescue operation would be called off for the night due to continuing heavy rain and would resume at 5.30 am on September 21.
“Two bodies have been recovered so far. This place attracts many local tourists, and since it was Sunday, there were many people here. The river originates in Tamil Nadu, so flash floods there can also cause a sudden rise in water levels here,” he said.
A woman riding a two-wheeler was killed after being caught in a landslide at Teekoy in Kottayam amid heavy rain on Sunday night.
The deceased was identified as Sangeetha Arullal, a native of Theni, Tamil Nadu.
The eastern parts of Kottayam have been witnessing heavy rain since Sunday afternoon.
The CUSAT Automatic Weather Station in Vagamon recorded 157 mm of rainfall between 3 pm and 5 pm.
A soil piping incident at Poonjar claimed the life of 80-year-old Joseph after his house was buried under the debris. His two daughters were rescued.
Heavy rain also triggered a landslide on the Erattupetta-Vagamon road near Karikad Top, damaging two cars.
The occupants escaped unhurt, while traffic was disrupted for several hours.
Meanwhile, a mudslide in Idukki’s Vattavada killed two members of a family while another was injured.
Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel in hilly areas amid the risk of landslides and flash floods.
Rising water levels in the Meenachil River may also cause flooding in low-lying areas of Teekoy, Erattupetta and Pala in Kottayam.
So far, six deaths have been confirmed in rain-related incidents across the state on Sunday.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has directed officials to assess the rainfall situation across Keralam every hour in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
Following the directive, Disaster Management Authority Commissioner Vigneswari IAS convened a meeting with the District Collectors of Idukki and Kottayam to review the situation and discuss precautionary measures.
The two districts have issued SMS alerts regarding the weather conditions.
The Collectors have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps, including evacuating people from vulnerable areas.
The CM has also directed the immediate deployment of a special team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in search operations in Nilambur.
(Edited by Fayisa CA with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman and Dileep V Kumar)
