Kerala: Torrential rains force closure of tourist centres; night travel ban enforced

Central and southern Kerala faced severe weather conditions on Tuesday as intense downpours and gusty winds led to widespread destruction, prompting a state of high alert. The relentless rain caused landslides, severe water-logging, and substantial property damage, forcing numerous residents to evacuate to relief camps.

In Kottayam district, the Chokkallu area of Bharananganam village was severely impacted by a landslide, causing extensive damage. Ernakulam district, especially Kochi city, experienced continuous heavy rainfall that submerged roads and disrupted daily life. Experts have attributed this unusual weather to potential cloudbursts, with the Kalamassery locality in Kochi particularly hard-hit, resulting in floodwaters entering hundreds of homes.

Tourist destinations in several districts, including Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram, have been closed. Authorities imposed a night travel ban in the hilly areas of Idukki district to ensure safety. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placed Kottayam and Ernakulam districts on red alert, forecasting further heavy rainfall.


Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued warnings about the high risks of landslides, flooding, and water-logging. He urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in safe locations. The administration has banned tourists from popular sites such as Illikkal Kallu and Ponmudi ecotourism centre. With river levels rising, authorities advised vigilance among those living near the Meenachil River in Kottayam and Killiyar in Thiruvananthapuram.


The continuous downpour caused significant disruption across districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. Roads in Kochi were heavily flooded, slowing traffic and trapping residents indoors. The rains also triggered mudslides and traffic disruptions on key roads in Kottayam.

Also read: Delhi's hottest day ever: Mercury level reaches 52.3 degrees today; record-breaking, highest temperature in history

In the capital district, Thiruvananthapuram, heavy rains since Monday night caused severe damage in Neyyattinkara and surrounding areas. High tides and rough seas posed additional dangers to coastal regions, with reports of boat capsizing incidents and one person’s demise due to high tidal waves.


The state has prepared 3,597 relief camps, ready to accommodate over five lakh people in emergencies.

Also read: It’s time to BARK high in the sky: US launches the world's first airline for dogs

IMD has issued varying levels of alerts across Kerala: a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in certain districts, an orange alert for very heavy rain in others, and a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in additional regions.