# Monsoon-related flooding and landslides in Kerala

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/monsoon-related-flooding-and-landslides-in-kerala
> Updated: 2026-09-20T17:00:19.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

Heavy monsoon rains in Kerala have triggered a series of fatal landslides and flash floods across multiple districts. The death toll has reached at least five people, with several others still missing.

In the Malappuram district, a sudden flash flood at the Kottappuzha River near Nilambur caught visitors off guard. Eyewitnesses described a “wall of water” sweeping down the river due to heavy rainfall in nearby forest regions. While reports initially indicated five people were swept away, recent updates confirm two bodies have been recovered, though uncertainty remains regarding the identity of the remains. Several individuals, including residents from Wandoor and Kottakkal, remain missing. A special disaster management team has been deployed to the Nilambur-Amarambalam area to assist with rescue efforts.

Landslide incidents have also caused fatalities in other regions. In Idukki district, a hillside collapse in Kottakamboor buried a temporary farm shed, killing two siblings and injuring a woman. In Kottayam, a 35-year-old woman from Chennai died when a landslide struck her scooter near Velathussery.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Chief Minister VD Satheesan has ordered hourly assessments of the situation and directed authorities to monitor vulnerable areas and conduct evacuations where necessary.

## Claims

- Heavy rain, landslides, and flash floods in Kerala have resulted in at least five deaths. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Five people were swept away by the Kottappuzha river in Malappuram; two bodies were recovered and others remain missing. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- A landslide in Kottakamboor, Idukki, killed two people and injured one. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The IMD issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The Chief Minister ordered hourly assessments of the weather situation and directed authorities to monitor vulnerable areas. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Kerala rain: Landslides and flash floods cause multiple deaths

Heavy rains in Kerala have caused at least 10 deaths due to landslides and flash floods in Idukki, Kottayam, and Malappuram. The IMD has issued alerts for several districts as authorities monitor the situation.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-landslides-and-flash-floods-kill-at-least-three-people

### 2026-09-20: Flash flood in Kerala's Nilambur kills two and leaves several missing

At least two people are dead and several remain missing after a sudden flash flood swept through the Kottappuzha River in Kerala's Nilambur region on Sunday afternoon.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flash-flood-in-keralas-nilambur-kills-two-and-leaves-several-missing

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Cite as: Monsoon-related flooding and landslides in Kerala. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/monsoon-related-flooding-and-landslides-in-kerala