Thiruvananthapuram, 01 August (H.S.):At least five people were killed as heavy rain battered Kerala on Saturday, triggering landslides, flooding and widespread waterlogging, with the central and northern districts bearing the brunt of the downpour.

Several landslides were reported from the high-range areas of Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta following intense overnight rainfall. Houses were damaged or buried under debris, while rising water levels inundated roads and low-lying areas, disrupting normal life.

In Idukki district, a landslide at Adurmala in Kudayathoor near Thodupuzha buried a house, killing a woman identified as Sumathi. Two others trapped in the house were rescued. Another person, Prabhakaran Nair, 72, was killed after earth and debris crashed onto a house at Kolahalamedu in Vagamon.

Kottayam district also witnessed landslides following incessant rainfall. Two members of a family were killed after a landslide struck their house at Poonjar. Landslips and flooding were reported from several other parts of the district, prompting authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations.

Pathanamthitta was among the worst-affected districts, with several low-lying areas coming under water. Ranni town witnessed flooding following the sharp rise in water levels, while landslides were reported from the district's hilly regions.

Heavy rainfall also disrupted traffic in several places as roads were inundated or blocked by fallen trees and debris. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police, Revenue officials and local authorities were deployed in vulnerable areas.

Educational institutions were closed in several rain-affected districts as a precautionary measure, while disaster management authorities stepped up monitoring of rivers, reservoirs and landslide-prone areas.

With further rainfall expected, authorities have urged residents of low-lying areas and vulnerable hill regions to remain vigilant. People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through mountainous areas and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman