According to official data, a staggering 3,153 high-tension posts and 23,339 low-tension posts have been damaged due to the adverse weather.
Published May 31, 2025 | 8:30 PM ⚊ Updated May 31, 2025 | 8:30 PM
Strong winds and incessant rains lashing the state have caused extensive damage to the power distribution network.
Synopsis: Thirty people have died in Kerala due to rain-related incidents since 1 April, with three new fatalities reported on 30 May as the southwest monsoon continues to batter the state. The Kerala State Electricity Board has reported infrastructural losses of ₹164.46 crore, with tens of thousands of electric posts and lines damaged, causing widespread power outages. Authorities have opened 60 relief camps and issued yellow alerts in multiple districts as heavy rain and strong winds persist.
As the southwest monsoon continues to lash Kerala with unrelenting rain and strong winds, the state is reeling under its deadly impact.
On 30 May alone, three more lives were lost in rain-related incidents – taking the total death toll since 1 April to 30.
The latest casualties were reported from Alappuzha, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts.
While one person drowned, two others died after uprooted trees fell on them amid gusty winds.
The state’s disaster response systems remain on high alert as monsoon-linked tragedies unfold across the region.
Amid the human toll, the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB) has reported extensive infrastructural losses amounting to ₹164.46 crore.
According to official data, a staggering 3,153 high-tension posts and 23,339 low-tension posts have been damaged due to the adverse weather.
In addition, 2,826 high-tension lines and 61,637 low-tension lines were snapped, plunging large areas into darkness.
At the peak of the storms, 81.99 lakh consumers faced power outages.
Thanks to continuous restoration efforts, power has since been reinstated for 76.35 lakh consumers.
KSEB officials said field teams are working round the clock to complete repair works and restore normalcy at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the state government has opened 60 relief camps to shelter displaced families, with Kottayam (21 camps) and Wayanad (18 camps) hosting the highest numbers.
A total of 429 families, comprising 1,439 individuals, are currently accommodated in these camps.
From 1 April to 30 May, 87 houses were fully destroyed and 3,237 houses partially damaged due to heavy rain, landslides, and falling trees.
Rain-related incidents have also left 125 persons injured.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for several districts over the coming days, forecasting isolated heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours) accompanied by thunderstorms.
On 1 and 2 June, yellow alerts have been issued for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
Meanwhile, between 3 and 4 June, yellow alerts have been issued for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has urged the public to exercise extreme caution, especially in landslide-prone, flood-prone, and coastal areas.
Residents living near riverbanks and downstream of dams have been advised to relocate if necessary and follow directions from local authorities.
People have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, stay away from water bodies, and refrain from recreational trips to hilly regions.
The public is also reminded to avoid bridges, flooded roads, and to not take selfies or gather near water bodies during inclement weather.
For assistance, district and taluk-level control rooms are operational 24×7. Residents can dial 1077 or 1070 for emergency support.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
