Kerala Flood Situation Improves Gradually, But Rain and Waterlogging Continue

Kerala’s flood situation showed signs of a gradual improvement on Saturday, but persistent rain and waterlogging continued to disrupt normal life, with hundreds of people still housed in relief camps.

The Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad areas of Alappuzha and interior parts of Kottayam remained among the worst-affected regions. Although water levels were receding in several places, the decline was slow, leaving some residents stranded and several homes and roads submerged.

The Alappuzha-Changanassery road remained inundated, affecting traffic. Small boats were being used to transport people and move essential belongings from waterlogged areas.

Hundreds of residents continued to stay in relief camps across south and central Kerala as authorities worked to manage the situation.

Coastal districts also faced difficult conditions, with high waves, sea incursion and strong winds keeping fishermen away from the sea. At Uduma in Kasaragod, strong winds and rough weather uprooted several coconut trees.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast moderate rain with winds of up to 30 kmph at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Light rain was expected elsewhere.

The weather threat is expected to continue. The IMD issued an orange alert for Sunday in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. An orange alert signifies very heavy rainfall of 11 cm to 20 cm.

As a precaution, holidays were declared on Saturday for all educational institutions in eight districts, covering anganwadis, schools and professional colleges.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority urged people to avoid sheltering under trees, parking vehicles beneath them or remaining on terraces during strong winds. Residents were advised to secure weak branches, close doors and windows and move to safer shelters if required.

Authorities also urged local bodies, revenue officials and elected representatives to help evacuate vulnerable residents to relief camps wherever necessary.

Officials said the situation had not yet returned to normal, particularly in low-lying areas, and residents were advised to remain alert as further rain could slow drainage and renew local flooding again.