Six dead as heavy rain batters Kerala, rescue operations continue

Six people were killed in rain-related incidents across Kerala, with four deaths from separate landslides in Idukki and Kottayam districts.

In Idukki, Sumathi (65) died in a landslide at Adoormala; her husband Ravi and son Ratheesh were rescued. Prabhakaran Nair (77) of Vaikom died in a landslide at Vagamon.

In Kottayam, a youth named Josephine, son of Johny, died in a landslide at Payyanithottam; his mother Rejina Johny (46) was trapped under debris.

Search operations continued for six missing persons with personnel from NDRF, Fire and Rescue Services, police, Coast Guard, and local administration.

relief camps opened, sheltering 1,465 people; 17 houses destroyed and 127 partially damaged. Chief Minister V D Satheesan directed ministers to coordinate relief efforts.