Kochi: Heavy rainfall has battered Kerala, triggering landslides in parts of Idukki district, resulting in the loss of life and damage to multiple houses in the region on Sunday. A 55-year-old man lost his life when his home was swept away in the landslide. Several homes were severely damaged, and roads were blocked due to the landslides. Panchayat officials visited the affected area to assess the situation. Unfortunately, the state is not expected to see a reprieve as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall over the next five days. This is due to a cyclonic circulation over northern Tamil Nadu and nearby areas.

The heavy downpours are expected to continue from November 6 to November 9, with an orange alert issued in Ernakulam and Palakkad districts for today. Furthermore, a yellow alert has been issued in nine districts across the state. Due to the risk of landslides, the Idukki district administration has imposed nighttime travel restrictions on the Munnar-Kumily state highway between Udambachola and Cheriyar areas. These restrictions will be in effect from 7 pm to 6 am starting from November 8 until further notice.

Last month, Kerala experienced varying levels of rainfall, with some areas receiving more than normal. Alappuzha and Ernakulam received excess rainfall, while Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta witnessed "large excess" rainfall. However, Wayanad was the only district in Kerala with deficient rainfall in the past month leading up to November 5. Excess rainfall indicates a 20% to 59% increase from the normal seasonal value, while "large excess" signifies a rainfall increase of 60% or more above the normal value.

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