Heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods and landslips across Kerala, resulting in six deaths and four missing persons, according to reports covering Kottayam, Idukki, and Malappuram districts on September 21, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for six districts as severe weather impacted local communities.
Weather Warnings and Affected Regions
According to the India Meteorological Department, an orange alert was issued for Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts for a brief three-hour window. The forecast warned of isolated, medium-intensity thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds reaching speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts faced predictions of isolated light rainfall.
Flash Floods in Malappuram
In Malappuram, a sudden flash flood struck Kottappuzha at Pookottumpadam around 5 p.m. on Sunday, claiming two lives and leaving four people missing, including one woman. Officials note that the victims are believed to be tourists who arrived at the T.K. Colony tourism area to sightsee and bathe in the river on the holiday. Forestry officials and local residents intervened rapidly as water levels rose sharply, saving several other visitors from the surging current.
Anas (31), son of Mangadan bus owner Kottakkal Mangadan Hameed, was identified as one of the deceased, while the second fatality remains unidentified. Authorities listed the four missing individuals as Raheem (35) of Karuvarakkundu, Sajad (23) of Wandoor, Rafeeq (41) of Chettiyarammal Kuruppath in Wandoor, and Sajitha, wife of Sanjaydas from T.K. Colony.
Landslips Strike Idukki and Kottayam
In Idukki, a landslip accompanied by rainwater runoff struck a agricultural shed in the Amman Kovil area of Kottakkamboor around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Local residents Balakrishnan (50) and Chinnu (36) died at the scene, while Balakrishnan’s wife Mariyamma (46) sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital.
In Kottayam, a retaining wall collapsed onto a property along the Erattupetta-Vagamon road at Velathusseri around 5 p.m. on Sunday, killing Sangeetha Arul Lal (35) of Chennai, who was traveling on a scooter alongside another young woman. Separately, in Peringulam, Poonjar Thekkekara, a landslip crashed onto the roof of a home at Uravaplavil, causing the death of Joseph (Appachan, 80). Two other individuals trapped beneath the earth, Jimmy (36) and Dennis (32), were rescued and taken to the hospital.
Did You Know? The India Meteorological Department issued a short-fuse orange alert covering six districts—Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram—warning of winds reaching up to 40 kilometers per hour alongside heavy downpours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts were placed under an orange alert by the IMD?
The IMD issued an orange alert for Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts for a three-hour window.
How many total fatalities and missing persons were reported from the incidents?
The severe weather resulted in six deaths and four missing persons across Kottayam, Idukki, and Malappuram districts.
What caused the casualties in the Pookottumpadam area of Malappuram?
A sudden flash flood struck Kottappuzha at Pookottumpadam around 5 p.m. on Sunday, sweeping away tourists who had gathered to swim and visit the river area on a holiday.
How will local authorities update residents regarding ongoing rescue operations for the missing individuals?
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