Key HighlightsFive tourists died after a flash flood hit the Kottapuzha River in Malappuram’s Nilambur area.One woman remains missing after being swept away in the river.The incident occurred near the TK Colony area on Sunday evening.The IMD issued an orange alert for six Kerala districts on Monday.Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur are under the orange alert.Heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in isolated areas.NDRF, Fire and Rescue Services, police and local residents are involved in search operations.What Happened in Malappuram’s Kottapuzha River?A flash flood struck the Kottapuzha River near TK Colony in Pookkottumpadam, Nilambur, Malappuram, on Sunday evening. The water level rose suddenly after heavy rainfall in forested areas upstream, sweeping away people who were near the river.Five tourists have been confirmed dead, while one woman from the local area remains missing. Three other people who were swept away were rescued. The incident took place around 5 pm when the area had several visitors.Who Is Still Missing?The missing woman has been identified as Sajitha, a resident of TK Colony. According to reports, she was washing clothes near the river when the sudden rise in water swept her away.Search operations resumed on Monday morning after being suspended overnight because of strong currents and poor visibility. Teams from the NDRF, Fire and Rescue Services, police and local residents are taking part in the operation.Which Kerala Districts Are Under Orange Alert?The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for six districts on Monday:PathanamthittaAlappuzhaKottayamIdukkiErnakulamThrissurThe warning indicates the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with rainfall of 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm possible over 24 hours in isolated areas. Thunderstorms and strong surface winds are also possible.The remaining districts have been placed under yellow alert or continue to face the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall, according to the latest weather warnings.Why Did the Kottapuzha River Flood So Quickly?Officials and local reports said the immediate area around the river did not necessarily experience the same intensity of rainfall when the water suddenly surged.Heavy rainfall in forested upstream areas caused the river level to rise rapidly. The sudden increase in water left people near the river with very little time to move to safety.The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by visitors at rivers and other water bodies during periods of heavy rainfall, when water levels can change quickly even if rain is not falling directly at the location.What Is Happening in Other Parts of Kerala?The Malappuram flash flood comes as several parts of Kerala continue to experience heavy rainfall and rain-related incidents.Kottayam and Idukki have also reported rain-related deaths and landslip incidents. Authorities are monitoring the situation as the IMD forecasts further rainfall across parts of the state.Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has directed officials to assess the rain situation regularly and take evacuation measures wherever required.What Should Tourists and Residents Do?With heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, residents and tourists should follow local administration and IMD advisories.People should avoid entering rivers, streams and other water bodies during or after heavy rainfall. Tourists visiting waterfalls, rivers and hilly areas should also check local weather and access advisories before travelling.Authorities are continuing rescue and monitoring operations in affected areas as Kerala remains under a spell of heavy rain.Kerala Rain TimelineSunday evening, September 20: Flash flood hits the Kottapuzha River near TK Colony in Nilambur.Sunday night: Rescue operations continue but are affected by strong currents and poor visibility.Monday morning, September 21: Search operations resume with NDRF, Fire and Rescue Services, police and local residents.Monday, September 21: Death toll in the Malappuram flash flood rises to five, while one woman remains missing.Monday, September 21: IMD issues an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur.
