Kerala flash flood toll rises to 2, five missing in Malappuram as search continues

The death toll in the flash flood at Pookkottumpadam in Kerala’s Malappuram district rose to two on Sunday night, while five people remained missing after a sudden surge of water swept through Kottappuzha near TK Colony, according to the latest reports.

The incident occurred around 5 pm when the water level in the river rose abruptly, catching tourists and local residents by surprise. Being a Sunday, a large number of visitors had gathered at popular spots along the river between Olarvattom Canal and TK Colony, including Kettungal, Aanakkundu, Balawadippadi and areas near the Koyipra foothills.

Two bodies recovered

The body of a man aged around 50 was initially recovered from the river at Muttikkund in Pottikkallu and shifted to the government district hospital in Nilambur.

During subsequent searches, rescuers recovered the body of another man from the river behind Assumption School at Antonikad. The identities of the two deceased had not been established immediately.

Initial reports had put the toll at one and said around seven people were feared swept away. The figures were revised later on Sunday night following the recovery of the second body and further verification of those missing.

Five remain missing

The five people reported missing were identified in local reports as Raheem, 35, of Karuvarakundu; Anas Mangadan, 27, of Kottakkal; Sajjad, 23, of Kottakkunnu in Wandoor; Rafeekh, 41, of Wandoor; and Sajitha, a resident of TK Colony.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Nilambur, police, forest officials, volunteers and local residents continued searching for them late into the night.

Rescue operations were complicated by the sudden increase in the river’s flow and fading light.

Around 30 rescued

As the water rose, several visitors managed to climb onto rocks and trees to avoid being swept away. Around 30 people stranded at different points along the river were subsequently rescued by local residents and rescue personnel.

Four people who had taken refuge on rocks and trees near an anganwadi were also brought to safety.

The sudden surge occurred even as some nearby areas had not experienced significant rainfall. Local residents said heavy rain in the hills upstream was believed to have caused the rapid rise in the river.

Search continues

Authorities continued the search operation after nightfall, concentrating on stretches downstream from the areas where the victims were believed to have been swept away. The incident comes amid unsettled weather in Kerala, with rain alerts in force across several districts. Authorities have urged people to exercise caution around rivers, waterfalls and other water bodies, particularly when heavy rainfall occurs in upstream and hilly areas.

Further details on the missing people and the circumstances surrounding the flash flood are expected as the search operation progresses.