<p>Two Indian states, Kerala and Assam, are going through tragic times due to the worst floods in recent years. Dozens of people have died across both states, and people continue to suffer. Like millions of others, Malayalam actor Prasanth Alexander has also been affected. And this is not just a problem from this year, but from the past three years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 2018, Alexander built his dream house in Malappally. But he had to leave the house and move to an apartment because floodwaters entered his sprawling property every year. With this repeated flooding, it has become impossible to live in a house that is constantly underwater.</p><h3><br>Malayalam actor Prasanth Alexander had to leave his dream house</h3><p>Alexander built his dream house in Malappally in 2018, thinking he would live there and make thousands of memories with his wife and two children. But that dream came crumbling down soon, and it turned into a nightmare that they continue to suffer through.</p><p>They had to step out of the house, but the trauma and anxiety remain as floodwaters enter the property every year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-floods-over-1-6-lakh-affected-as-death-toll-mounts-to-95-know-updates-here-1785984761991">Assam floods: Over 1.6 lakh affected as death toll mounts to 95. Know updates here</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking to Onmanorama, Alexander said, “It is true that this time we have not been physically affected because we are no longer staying there. But mentally, it is exhausting. This is the third time floodwaters have entered our house,”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Prasanth’s wife, Sheeba, shared a video on Instagram which showed their house submerged in water.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Not just mentally, but every year they also have to shell out huge costs to repair the damage. They suffered their first hit in 2018 during the devastating Kerala floods, incurring losses of Rs 2 lakh. After 2018, they faced the same ordeal again in 2021 after flash floods in Mundakkayam. What made the situation worse was the accumulation of silt near the bridge, which increased waterlogging in their area.</p>

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<p>“The repeated flooding took a heavy toll on my wife and children. Since they spent most of their time at home without me, the anxiety kept growing,” he said, adding, “Eventually, my wife suggested that we shift to Thiruvalla, which is comparatively safer. We bought an apartment there and now live on the top floor,” he shared.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even now, while staying in an apartment, the worry remains the same due to the damage their property faces every monsoon.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The interiors were badly damaged during the previous floods. This time too, we are expecting extensive restoration work,” he said. “I can only visit the house once the water recedes. But even after we clean and repair everything, there is always the fear that September or October rains could bring the same ordeal all over again.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For the unversed, Prasanth is an actor and producer, known for his work in Malayalam movies. He has appeared in movies such as &nbsp;Purusha Pretham (2023), Jallikattu (2019) and Pallichattambi (2026).<br>&nbsp;</p>

Malayalam actor Prasanth Alexander, who is known for his movies, Jallikattu and Pallichattambi, has also been affected. And this is not just a problem from this year, but from the past three years.

Two Indian states, Kerala and Assam, are going through tragic times due to the worst floods in recent years. Dozens of people have died across both states, and people continue to suffer. Like millions of others, Malayalam actor Prasanth Alexander has also been affected. And this is not just a problem from this year, but from the past three years. In 2018, Alexander built his dream house in Malappally. But he had to leave the house and move to an apartment because floodwaters entered his sprawling property every year. With this repeated flooding, it has become impossible to live in a house that is constantly underwater. Malayalam actor Prasanth Alexander had to leave his dream house Alexander built his dream house in Malappally in 2018, thinking he would live there and make thousands of memories with his wife and two children. But that dream came crumbling down soon, and it turned into a nightmare that they continue to suffer through. They had to step out of the house, but the trauma and anxiety remain as floodwaters enter the property every year. Also read: Assam floods: Over 1.6 lakh affected as death toll mounts to 95. Know updates here Speaking to Onmanorama, Alexander said, “It is true that this time we have not been physically affected because we are no longer staying there. But mentally, it is exhausting. This is the third time floodwaters have entered our house,” Prasanth’s wife, Sheeba, shared a video on Instagram which showed their house submerged in water. Not just mentally, but every year they also have to shell out huge costs to repair the damage. They suffered their first hit in 2018 during the devastating Kerala floods, incurring losses of Rs 2 lakh. After 2018, they faced the same ordeal again in 2021 after flash floods in Mundakkayam. What made the situation worse was the accumulation of silt near the bridge, which increased waterlogging in their area.

<p>Malayalam actor Prasanth Alexander, who is known for his movies, Jallikattu and Pallichattambi, has also been affected. And this is not just a problem from this year, but from the past three years.</p>

'This is the third time…': How repeated floods forced Malayalam actor Prasanth Alexander to abandon his dream home

<p>Dozens of people have died across India, from Kerala in the south to Assam in the north-east, due to monsoon floods. The heavy seasonal rains, resulting floods, and inundation of large areas are nothing new. But nearly 80 years into Independence, why are India's states still unable to address the flood situation effectively? Here is what states like Kerala and Assam are doing, and why the situation is more complicated than you might think.</p><h2>Kerala's AI-assisted flood alert systems build on years of experience</h2><p>Kerala, the first state where the Monsoon reaches India, has developed layered, technology-enabled flood management systems, especially after the devastating floods of 2018. This year, the state government announced broader Artificial Intelligence-backed disaster management initiatives.</p><p>These include real-time monitoring through Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, river gauges, as well as automated and manual rain gauges. Sensors to track soil moisture, along with continuous data on water levels and river flow, are also part of the system.</p><p>AI and machine learning models analyse rainfall, water levels, historical data, and weather inputs for predictive forecasting from hours to days in advance. This helps reduce false alarms and enables more accurate, impact-based warnings.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/assam-floods-2026-randeep-hooda-joins-relief-drive-and-distributes-essential-supplies-in-sivasagar-1785645567977">Assam Floods 2026: Randeep Hooda joins relief drive and distributes essential supplies in Sivasagar</a></p><h2>Data collection is the key in addressing floods</h2><p>The early warning systems in Kerala integrate data from the India Meteorological Department, satellite imagery, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and community-collected hyper-local rainfall and weather data. The CoSiT-FloWS project in the Periyar and Chalakudy river basins is an example of community-based rain gauge monitoring.</p><p>Alerts are disseminated through a mobile apps, SMS, social media, sirens, and strobe lights. The KaWaCHaM (Kerala Warnings, Crisis and Hazard Management) system uses colour-coded alerts and voice messages to reach residents quickly.</p><p>The Idukki Disaster Resilience and Information System (IDRIS), a piot project, seeks to combine AI, sensors, and satellite data to provide flood and landslide alerts. There are also plans for AI-driven dam management and denser rain gauge networks.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-floods-over-4-45-lakh-affected-across-six-districts-631-villages-inundated-charaideo-worst-hit-1785198555842">Assam floods: Over 4.45 lakh affected across six districts; 631 villages inundated, Charaideo worst-hit</a></p><h2>Community-first approach to flood management in Kerala</h2><p>The most effective disaster alert systems are those that actively involve local communities. In Kerala, warnings are communicated in multiple languages, including tribal languages, to ensure wider reach. Community-based monitoring of rainfall, soil conditions, and river water levels is linked to emergency operations centres for a coordinated response.</p><p>These systems have been credited with helping protect large numbers of people during recent floods, landslides, and other rain-related disasters.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assam-floods-death-toll-rises-waterlogging-persists-across-kerala-1785747426592/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/assam-floods-death-toll-rises-waterlogging-persists-across-kerala-1785747426592/embed</a></p><h2>Assam and eastern India's flood management is complicated due to the fury of mighty Brahmaputra river</h2><p>Assam, the rest of the North-East, and parts of eastern India face severe flooding every year as rivers swell during the monsoon. Assam's situation is worsened by the overflowing of the mighty Brahmaputra and its numerous tributaries. The region's challenges are structural and longstanding, rather than simply the result of a lack of effort.</p><p>The Brahmaputra is a massive, sediment-laden, and constantly shifting river originating in Tibet, with major tributaries flowing from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Intense monsoon rainfall in the upstream hills causes rapid runoff and sudden rises in river water levels.</p><p>Heavy sediment loads gradually raise riverbeds, reducing the river's carrying capacity and increasing the risk of floods.</p><h2>Deforestation and land-use changes in the hills reduce water absorption</h2><p>Deforestation in upstream areas increases soil erosion and landslides, sending even more water and silt downstream. Much of the Brahmaputra's embankment network, stretching for around 5,000 kilometres, is ageing and has exceeded its intended design life. Hundreds of breaches occur regularly during the monsoon.</p><p>A false sense of security created by these embankments has encouraged human settlements in floodplains. Living close to the river becomes a trap for many people during the floods.</p><p>These human settlements, combined with poor drainage planning, have led to the loss of natural flood buffers such as wetlands, floodplains, and spill channels. The Brahmaputra Board has limited implementation powers, restricting its ability to carry out large-scale flood management measures.</p><h2>Forecasting and early warning systems are required</h2><p>Early warning systems need to be strengthened, while available funds should be utilised more effectively for long-term, systemic change rather than only emergency responses. Human encroachments, inadequate desilting, and an increase in extreme weather events driven by climate change, along with phenomena such as El Nino, add to the challenges.</p><p>Modern forecasting, warning, and monitoring systems need to be integrated with indigenous knowledge and community-based practices, alongside nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, floodplain conservation, and watershed management.</p>

Assam and Kerala are known to have seen some of the worst floods in recent years. Kerala is using AI, IoT sensors and community-based warning systems to improve flood preparedness. Assam faces severe Brahmaputra floods driven by geography and climate change.

Dozens of people have died across India, from Kerala in the south to Assam in the north-east, due to monsoon floods. The heavy seasonal rains, resulting floods, and inundation of large areas are nothing new. But nearly 80 years into Independence, why are India's states still unable to address the flood situation effectively? Here is what states like Kerala and Assam are doing, and why the situation is more complicated than you might think. Kerala's AI-assisted flood alert systems build on years of experience Kerala, the first state where the Monsoon reaches India, has developed layered, technology-enabled flood management systems, especially after the devastating floods of 2018. This year, the state government announced broader Artificial Intelligence-backed disaster management initiatives. These include real-time monitoring through Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, river gauges, as well as automated and manual rain gauges. Sensors to track soil moisture, along with continuous data on water levels and river flow, are also part of the system. AI and machine learning models analyse rainfall, water levels, historical data, and weather inputs for predictive forecasting from hours to days in advance. This helps reduce false alarms and enables more accurate, impact-based warnings. Also read: Assam Floods 2026: Randeep Hooda joins relief drive and distributes essential supplies in Sivasagar Data collection is the key in addressing floods The early warning systems in Kerala integrate data from the India Meteorological Department, satellite imagery, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and community-collected hyper-local rainfall and weather data. The CoSiT-FloWS project in the Periyar and Chalakudy river basins is an example of community-based rain gauge monitoring. Alerts are disseminated through a mobile apps, SMS, social media, sirens, and strobe lights. The KaWaCHaM (Kerala Warnings, Crisis and Hazard Management) system uses colour-coded alerts and voice messages to reach residents quickly. The Idukki Disaster Resilience and Information System (IDRIS), a piot project, seeks to combine AI, sensors, and satellite data to provide flood and landslide alerts. There are also plans for AI-driven dam management and denser rain gauge networks. Also read: Assam floods: Over 4.45 lakh affected across six districts; 631 villages inundated, Charaideo worst-hit Community-first approach to flood management in Kerala The most effective disaster alert systems are those that actively involve local communities. In Kerala, warnings are communicated in multiple languages, including tribal languages, to ensure wider reach. Community-based monitoring of rainfall, soil conditions, and river water levels is linked to emergency operations centres for a coordinated response. These systems have been credited with helping protect large numbers of people during recent floods, landslides, and other rain-related disasters. https://www.wionews.com/videos/assam-floods-death-toll-rises-waterlogging-persists-across-kerala-1785747426592/embed Assam and eastern India's flood management is complicated due to the fury of mighty Brahmaputra river Assam, the rest of the North-East, and parts of eastern India face severe flooding every year as rivers swell during the monsoon. Assam's situation is worsened by the overflowing of the mighty Brahmaputra and its numerous tributaries. The region's challenges are structural and longstanding, rather than simply the result of a lack of effort. The Brahmaputra is a massive, sediment-laden, and constantly shifting river originating in Tibet, with major tributaries flowing from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Intense monsoon rainfall in the upstream hills causes rapid runoff and sudden rises in river water levels. Heavy sediment loads gradually raise riverbeds, reducing the river's carrying capacity and increasing the risk of floods. Deforestation and land-use changes in the hills reduce water absorption Deforestation in upstream areas increases soil erosion and landslides, sending even more water and silt downstream. Much of the Brahmaputra's embankment network, stretching for around 5,000 kilometres, is ageing and has exceeded its intended design life. Hundreds of breaches occur regularly during the monsoon. A false sense of security created by these embankments has encouraged human settlements in floodplains. Living close to the river becomes a trap for many people during the floods. These human settlements, combined with poor drainage planning, have led to the loss of natural flood buffers such as wetlands, floodplains, and spill channels. The Brahmaputra Board has limited implementation powers, restricting its ability to carry out large-scale flood management measures. Forecasting and early warning systems are required Early warning systems need to be strengthened, while available funds should be utilised more effectively for long-term, systemic change rather than only emergency responses. Human encroachments, inadequate desilting, and an increase in extreme weather events driven by climate change, along with phenomena such as El Nino, add to the challenges. Modern forecasting, warning, and monitoring systems need to be integrated with indigenous knowledge and community-based practices, alongside nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, floodplain conservation, and watershed management.

<p>Assam and Kerala are known to have seen some of the worst floods in recent years. Kerala is using AI, IoT sensors and community-based warning systems to improve flood preparedness. Assam faces severe Brahmaputra floods driven by geography and climate change.</p>

India floods: How are states faring? From Kerala's AI-assisted alert systems to tackling Assam's mighty Brahmaputra, it's complicated

<p>A rescue volunteer who helped in the 2018 floods and 2024 Wayanad landslide tragedy lost his life while saving a man caught in the flood near Meenthully Island in Kannur district on August 1. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>R Rajesh, who was also a swimming instructor, gave his own life jacket to the person he had just rescued from the swollen Kariangode river, a decision that cost him his life.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rajesh got caught in the current of the swollen Kariangode river while leading 61-year-old Benny, a local resident who got swept away in the floodwaters, back to shore. Rajesh’s body was recovered on Tuesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday paid tribute to Rajesh while terming the incident as heartbreaking. Satheesan said Rajesh was a dedicated responder who had previously volunteered during past Kerala floods and the Wayanad disaster.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-army-discards-whatsapp-over-spying-and-data-breach-fears-switches-to-china-s-wechat-1785933108236"><strong>Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Rajesh gave away his own life jacket to save a drowning person in Kannur’s Pulingome before succumbing to the floodwaters. His ultimate sacrifice and selfless love for humanity will forever be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. His courage lives on,” the CM said in a post on X.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The tragic demise of Rajesh, a swimming instructor who lost his life during flood rescue operations, is deeply heartbreaking.<br><br>A dedicated responder who previously volunteered during past Kerala floods and the Wayanad disaster, Rajesh gave away his own life jacket to save a… <a href="https://t.co/DXK3ypOx9B">pic.twitter.com/DXK3ypOx9B</a></p>&mdash; V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesan) <a href="https://x.com/vdsatheesan/status/2084839065212592616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar also condoled the death of Rajesh, a native of Thiruvananthapuram.</p><p>Chandrasekhar, the BJP MLA from Nemom constituency, said that Rajesh was a hero of the 2018 floods, the 2024 Wayanad disaster and the 2026 floods.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munir-protege-mohsin-naqvi-s-claim-of-unearthing-huge-scam-triggers-tremors-in-pakistan-s-power-corridors-1785869067161"><strong>Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“R Rajesh of Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, was a rescue volunteer and rappelling instructor who answered the call of duty whenever Kerala needed him. He stepped forward during the 2018 floods. He was among the rescuers during the Wayanad landslide tragedy in 2024. And in 2026, he made the ultimate sacrifice.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A hero of 2018, 2024 and 2026 is no more.<br><br>R. Rajesh of Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, was a rescue volunteer and rappelling instructor who answered the call of duty whenever Keralam needed him. <br><br>He stepped forward during the 2018 floods. He was among the rescuers during the… <a href="https://t.co/mUNaUP4YsP">pic.twitter.com/mUNaUP4YsP</a></p>&mdash; Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) <a href="https://x.com/RajeevRC_X/status/2084846644588359791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p> </p><p> </p><p>“His courage, selflessness and sacrifice will forever be a part of Kerala’s story. My deepest condolences to his wife Lekshmi, his two young sons Arshan and Abhishek, his parents Rajasekharan and Geetha, and all those who loved him. I pray that his family finds the strength to bear this immeasurable loss,” the BJP leader said in a post.</p><p>Leader of the Opposition in state assembly Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled the swimming instructor’s death.</p>

R Rajesh gave his own life jacket to the person he had just rescued from the swollen Kariangode river, a decision that cost him his life. Rajesh got caught in the current of the swollen river while leading 61-year-old Benny, who got swept away in the floodwaters, back to shore.

A rescue volunteer who helped in the 2018 floods and 2024 Wayanad landslide tragedy lost his life while saving a man caught in the flood near Meenthully Island in Kannur district on August 1. R Rajesh, who was also a swimming instructor, gave his own life jacket to the person he had just rescued from the swollen Kariangode river, a decision that cost him his life. Rajesh got caught in the current of the swollen Kariangode river while leading 61-year-old Benny, a local resident who got swept away in the floodwaters, back to shore. Rajesh’s body was recovered on Tuesday. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday paid tribute to Rajesh while terming the incident as heartbreaking. Satheesan said Rajesh was a dedicated responder who had previously volunteered during past Kerala floods and the Wayanad disaster. Also Read: Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat “Rajesh gave away his own life jacket to save a drowning person in Kannur’s Pulingome before succumbing to the floodwaters. His ultimate sacrifice and selfless love for humanity will forever be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. His courage lives on,” the CM said in a post on X.

<p>R Rajesh gave his own life jacket to the person he had just rescued from the swollen Kariangode river, a decision that cost him his life. Rajesh got caught in the current of the swollen river while leading 61-year-old Benny, who got swept away in the floodwaters, back to shore.</p>

Kerala hero dies after giving his life jacket to save 61-year-old in Kannur

<p>Kerala remained on high alert on Monday (Aug 3) after torrential rain battered several parts of the state, prompting authorities to shut schools, warn residents in vulnerable areas and step up disaster management efforts as the risk of flooding intensified. Nine people have been reported dead due to the floods.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), three weather stations recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am on Sunday and 5.30 am on Monday. Venkurinji in Pathanamthitta received the highest rainfall at 104.5 mm, followed by Udumbannoor in Idukki with 103.0 mm and Cheruthoni in Idukki with 101.5 mm.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Authorities warned that the situation could worsen in Pathanamthitta district, particularly in the Sabarimala region, where water levels in the Pamba river were expected to rise, affecting Ranni and surrounding areas.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/illogical-conspiracy-theories-pdp-slams-farooq-abdullah-for-his-demand-for-j-k-s-statehood-1785724031203">'Illogical conspiracy theories': PDP slams Farooq Abdullah for his demand for J&amp;K’s statehood</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With heavy rain continuing across the state, district collectors in several districts declared a holiday for all educational institutions on August 3 as a precautionary measure. An online review meeting chaired by Chief Minister VD Satheesan with district collectors was also scheduled to assess the evolving weather situation and coordinate the state's response.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The office of Kerala Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh said relentless rainfall in the Sabarimala region had created a serious situation in Pathanamthitta district. It added that the minister was camping in the district to oversee disaster management and relief operations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-shows-moment-suicide-bomber-struck-anti-militancy-rally-in-pakistan-killing-19-people-1785725689750">Video shows moment suicide bomber struck anti-militancy rally in Pakistan, killing 19 people</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Vishnunadh also reviewed the situation at Kozhencherry along with Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey, senior government officials and other elected representatives, according to his office.</p><p>Residents living in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations after overnight rainfall significantly increased the threat of flooding.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Apart from the three stations that crossed the 100 mm mark, several other locations also recorded substantial rainfall. Laha in Pathanamthitta received 87.0 mm, Thycattussery in Alappuzha recorded 80.0 mm, while Neriamangalam and Mattancherry in Ernakulam received 75.0 mm and 71.0 mm respectively.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ulanadu in Pathanamthitta recorded 74.5 mm of rainfall, followed by Ranni Chethackal with 65.5 mm, Vadavathoor in Kottayam with 64.0 mm, Palluruthy in Ernakulam with 63.0 mm and Munakkal in Thrissur with 62.0 mm, IMD data showed.</p>

Torrential rains battered Kerala, prompting high alerts, school closures, and rescue ops. Heavy rainfall in Sabarimala raised Pamba river levels, threatening low-lying regions like Pathanamthitta with imminent flooding.

Kerala remained on high alert on Monday (Aug 3) after torrential rain battered several parts of the state, prompting authorities to shut schools, warn residents in vulnerable areas and step up disaster management efforts as the risk of flooding intensified. Nine people have been reported dead due to the floods. According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), three weather stations recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am on Sunday and 5.30 am on Monday. Venkurinji in Pathanamthitta received the highest rainfall at 104.5 mm, followed by Udumbannoor in Idukki with 103.0 mm and Cheruthoni in Idukki with 101.5 mm. Authorities warned that the situation could worsen in Pathanamthitta district, particularly in the Sabarimala region, where water levels in the Pamba river were expected to rise, affecting Ranni and surrounding areas. Also read: 'Illogical conspiracy theories': PDP slams Farooq Abdullah for his demand for J&K’s statehood With heavy rain continuing across the state, district collectors in several districts declared a holiday for all educational institutions on August 3 as a precautionary measure. An online review meeting chaired by Chief Minister VD Satheesan with district collectors was also scheduled to assess the evolving weather situation and coordinate the state's response. The office of Kerala Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh said relentless rainfall in the Sabarimala region had created a serious situation in Pathanamthitta district. It added that the minister was camping in the district to oversee disaster management and relief operations. Also read: Video shows moment suicide bomber struck anti-militancy rally in Pakistan, killing 19 people Vishnunadh also reviewed the situation at Kozhencherry along with Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey, senior government officials and other elected representatives, according to his office. Residents living in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations after overnight rainfall significantly increased the threat of flooding. Apart from the three stations that crossed the 100 mm mark, several other locations also recorded substantial rainfall. Laha in Pathanamthitta received 87.0 mm, Thycattussery in Alappuzha recorded 80.0 mm, while Neriamangalam and Mattancherry in Ernakulam received 75.0 mm and 71.0 mm respectively. Ulanadu in Pathanamthitta recorded 74.5 mm of rainfall, followed by Ranni Chethackal with 65.5 mm, Vadavathoor in Kottayam with 64.0 mm, Palluruthy in Ernakulam with 63.0 mm and Munakkal in Thrissur with 62.0 mm, IMD data showed.

<p>Torrential rains battered Kerala, prompting high alerts, school closures, and rescue ops. Heavy rainfall in Sabarimala raised Pamba river levels, threatening low-lying regions like Pathanamthitta with imminent flooding.</p>

Kerala on high alert as torrential rain triggers flood threat; 9 dead, schools shut and rescue op on

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Kerala hero dies after giving his life jacket to save 61-year-old in Kannur

Kerala on high alert as torrential rain triggers flood threat, 9 dead