Heavy rains trigger flash floods, landslides in Keralas Idukki, tourism activities suspended

New Delhi: Continuous heavy rainfall has unleashed flash floods and landslides across Kerala’s Idukki district, leading to massive disruptions and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert on Sunday. In response to the worsening weather, the district administration has suspended all tourism-related and adventure activities.

Officials announced a temporary ban on boating, kayaking, and jeep trekking after several rivers, including the Periyar, swelled beyond danger levels. Floodwaters entered at least seven homes in the Chandravanam and Vikas Nagar areas of Vandiperiyar.

Revenue department teams rushed to the affected localities and began shifting families to relief camps. Authorities cautioned that more areas could be inundated as water continues to be released from the Mullaperiyar dam. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority also urged residents living along the Periyar river to remain extremely vigilant.

Since Friday night, multiple cases of landslides, mudslides, and flash floods have been reported from different parts of Idukki. One person died on Saturday night when his two-wheeler skidded and hit a heap of mud on the Kumily–Aanavilasam road near Vellaramkunnu. Heavy rainfall on Friday also led to severe waterlogging in Kumily, Nedumkanadam, and Kattappana, forcing emergency evacuations.

Around 45 families were moved to safer areas on Saturday. Visuals from Nedumkanadam captured a van being swept away by the surging Kootar River, reflecting the intensity of the deluge that continues to grip the hill district.