THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Authorities said two deaths each were reported from Idukki and Kottayam districts following exceptionally heavy overnight rainfall that triggered multiple landslides across the State.

In Idukki, a landslide at Adurmala in Kudayathoor, near Thodupuzha, buried a house, killing Sumathi, a resident of Mashikkallel House. Her body was recovered around 7am after an extensive search operation. Her husband, Ravi, and son, Ratheesh, were rescued with injuries after the house was destroyed in the landslide, which struck around 2am.

In Kottayam, a person was killed in a landslide at Poonjar, while rescue teams continued searching for a woman feared trapped beneath the debris.

Several other landslides were reported across Idukki and Kottayam districts. At Mathayippara in Upputhara, a landslide struck a police vehicle after officers had stepped out moments earlier, allowing them to escape without injury.

Minor landslides were also reported at Nellappara in Karinkunnam, near Mankombu Temple in Moonnilavu, and at Payyanithottam in Poonjar, as continuous rainfall destabilised hillsides across the region.

The Kerala government has intensified rescue and relief operations, with emergency response teams deployed to the worst-hit areas. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said he had reviewed the situation with the Revenue Minister, Chief Secretary and district collectors to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure timely assistance to affected residents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and urging people living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.