Kerala floods 2026: Landslips, overflowing rivers leave trail of destruction in Kerala’s Kottayam
Heavy rains in Kerala's Kottayam district have triggered landslips and flash floods, resulting in three deaths and significant property damage. Rescue operations are underway as authorities manage the aftermath of the extreme weather.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events in high-range areas highlight the increasing vulnerability of regions to climate-induced natural disasters.
Three persons, including an 11-year-old boy, died and widespread damage was reported across Kottayam district as torrential rain that lashed the eastern high ranges from Friday evening triggered landslips, flash floods and overflowing rivers on Saturday.
Two of the deaths occurred at Payyanithottam in Poonjar Thekkekara, where a landslip buried a house in the early hours of Saturday. The victims were identified as Josephin Johny, 27, and his mother, Rejeena Johny, 49.
The landslip occurred when a section of the hillside adjoining their house collapsed following incessant rain, sending a large mass of earth crashing onto the building and burying it under debris.
Josephin’s father, M.J. Johny, escaped unhurt as he was at a neighbouring house when the landslip struck. The couple’s two daughters, Jomit and Somit, were also away from home.
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