At least 10 dead as heavy rains trigger floods and landslides across Kerala, India

At least 10 people died and hundreds were displaced after torrential rainfall triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and dam releases across Kerala, India, starting June 26, 2025.

At least 10 fatalities have been confirmed in Kerala, India, after intense southwest monsoon rains began affecting the state on June 26. Drowning incidents, landslides, and structural collapses were reported in multiple districts, with widespread flooding prompting evacuations, school closures, and the discharge of dam spillways.

Fatalities included three migrant workers in a building collapse in Thrissur, two drowning victims in Malappuram, one teenager in Thiruvananthapuram, and others in Kannur and along the Karamana River. Several were swept away during rescue or flooding operations.

Rainfall totals reached 240 mm (9.4 inches) in Thrissur, 170 mm (6.7 inches) in Malappuram, and over 130 mm (5.1 inches) in Idukki, Ernakulam, and Wayanad. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for Idukki, Wayanad, and Malappuram and placed additional districts under orange alerts.

Reservoirs across the state approached or exceeded capacity. Mullaperiyar Dam reached 41 m (135 ft), just below its permitted maximum of 41.5 m (136 feet).

Spillway gates were opened at Banasura Sagar Dam, releasing 50 m³/s (1 765 ft³/s) of water, as well as at Kakkayam Dam and several Idukki-area facilities, raising downstream river levels. The Pamba River at Madamon rose above the flood warning level of 101 m (331 feet), and the Central Water Commission issued an orange alert for the Manimala River at Kallooppara.

Floodwaters submerged low-lying zones in Aluva, Kalady, Panamkootty, and Thodupuzha. Landslides occurred in Wayanad’s Chooralmala area, and riverbank erosion endangered bridges. National Highway 66 in Malappuram, previously damaged, faced renewed threats from rising water.

District authorities closed schools and colleges on June 27 in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Wayanad, and Pathanamthitta. Relief operations were mobilized, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Navy, and state agencies on alert.

IMD marine forecasts warned of sea waves up to 3.3 m (11 feet) and winds reaching 60 km/h (37 mph) along the Kerala coast. Fisherfolk were advised to avoid venturing into the sea for at least three days.

The monsoon arrived over a week earlier than usual, leaving catchments saturated and increasing the risk of flooding across southern and central India.

Feature image credit: James Joseph

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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