Landslip claims mother and son in Poonjar
A tragic landslip in Poonjar, Kerala, caused by torrential rains, has resulted in the deaths of two people. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have issued warnings for further landslips as flood conditions worsen in nearby regions.
Why it matters
This highlights the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters in India and the urgent need for disaster management and infrastructure resilience.
Torrential rain claimed two lives in Kottayam on Saturday (August 1, 2026) after a rain-triggered landslip buried a house at Payanithottam in Kaippally, Poonjar Thekkekara.
The deceased were identified as Josephin Johny and his mother, Regina Johny. The landslip occurred when a section of the hillside adjoining their house gave way 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 other daughters, Jomit and Somit, were also away from home at the time of the incident.
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