Kerala flood death toll rises to 15, seven still missing

The death toll from relentless monsoon rains, flash floods and rain-related incidents in India's southern state of Kerala has climbed to 15, with seven people still missing, as rescue teams continue search operations across the worst-hit districts.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the updated casualty figures on Monday after chairing a high-level review meeting on the state's flood situation.

According to official data, Malappuram district recorded the highest number of fatalities, with four deaths, followed by Kottayam, where three people were killed, including two in the Poonjar Assembly constituency and a child who died after falling into a water tank.

Two deaths were reported each in Ernakulam and Kollam, while one person each lost their lives in Idukki, Muvattupuzha, Kannur and Kozhikode, officials said.

Rescue operations remain underway as authorities search for the seven missing people, including two each in Kollam and Kannur and one each in Malappuram, Idukki and Muvattupuzha.

Days of torrential rainfall have triggered widespread flooding, waterlogging and heightened landslide risks across Kerala, disrupting transportation and affecting normal life in several regions.

The chief minister said 316 relief camps were operating across the state as of 9:00am Monday (August 3), providing shelter to 11,018 people displaced by flooding and heavy rainfall.

The state government said it is closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions and urged residents in vulnerable areas to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow official safety advisories as heavy rain is expected to persist.

Source: NDTV