Heavy rains triggered landslides and widespread flooding across Kerala on Saturday, killing at least eight people and leaving eight others missing, state officials said on Sunday. Thirteen others were injured in the rain-related incidents.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan confirmed the new death toll in an update, after earlier reports had placed the number of fatalities at six. Rescue teams carried out large-scale operations, evacuating residents from affected areas and setting up relief camps for the displaced.
The landslides and floodwaters disrupted traffic and damaged numerous houses across several districts.
The India Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for multiple districts, with an orange alert in place for 12 districts and a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Forecasters expect more heavy rainfall in the coming hours.