India’s National Emergency Response Centre (NERC) reported on 22 July that 20 people have died and 3 are missing after heavy rain, floods and severe weather in the southern state of Kerala. The fatalities include 7 fishermen who died at sea.
Heavy rain began to fall last week, as warned by India Meteorological Department (IMD). According to IMD figures, Kozhikode and Peermade both recorded 150mm of rain in 24 hours to 18 July. In a 24 hour period to 20 July, Kudulu recorded 310mm, Hosdurg 280mm and
Kannur 220mm.
NERC said 11 districts in Kerala have been affected: Thiruvananthpuram, Kollam, Alppuzaha, Thrissur, Idukki, Malppuram, Kozhikkode, Kasargod, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Kannur. Crops have been damaged and power supply disrupted.
A total of 74 houses have been destroyed and 1181 damaged. As of 22 July, 1186 people were displaced and staying in 34 relief camps.
Kerala experienced the worst flooding in its history from July last year when over 300 people died.
