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Continuous rainfall has prompted the district administration in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to order the closure of schools and colleges on October 16. Reports of landslides and flooding have emerged in various parts of the state, with a focus on the southernmost district of Thiruvananthapuram. District Collector Geromic George announced the closure of all educational institutions in the district due to heavy rains.
Since Saturday, persistent rainfall has led to waterlogging and flooding in streets, roads, and low-lying areas in Thiruvananthapuram. The Technopark colony in Kazhakootam experienced water entering homes, necessitating evacuations. Many homes in the district faced water ingress, and some areas witnessed landslides. Rescue operations involved the use of inflatable boats to evacuate people from submerged homes and relocate them to camps.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Dindigul town in Tamil Nadu received 35 mm of rainfall, while Kodaikanal (Rose Garden) saw a 30 mm spell. Kamatchipurm received 11.5 mm of rainfall, and Briyant Park in Kodaikanal observed a 43.6 mm spell.
IMD Thiruvananthapuram has issued a forecast for thunderstorms and heavy rains in the state until October 18. A yellow alert, signifying heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm, has been issued in nine out of the 14 districts of the state for the day.
State General Education Minister V Sivankutty, after inspecting the affected areas, highlighted the unusual situation in Thiruvananthapuram due to the incessant rains. He noted widespread waterlogging, exacerbated by non-receding seawater. Sivankutty assured that the district administration was urgently conducting relief operations, providing all necessary aid and assistance to those affected.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan also visited flood-affected areas, emphasizing the severe impact of floods and waterlogging on many parts of Thiruvananthapuram, particularly the capital city. Rajan mentioned that the capital received over 100 mm of rainfall, with nearly double that amount around the international airport since Saturday night.
