World · India Bureau
Flash flood in Kerala's Nilambur claims five lives; search continues for missing woman
A sudden flash flood swept through Nilambur in Kerala on Sunday evening, catching riverside visitors by surprise and claiming at least five lives. Rescue operations are underway to locate a missing woman believed to have been swept away by the deluge.
LSN India ·
The flash flood struck without warning on Sunday evening as people gathered along the riverbed and atop granite boulders in Nilambur, a picturesque area popular with visitors. The sudden surge of water swept away those present at the spot, leading to multiple casualties.
Rescue teams have recovered five bodies so far, according to local authorities. The search operation for a missing woman, believed to have been caught in the floodwaters, continues with personnel scouring the area downstream.
The cause of the flash flood is yet to be established. Authorities are investigating whether heavy rainfall upstream or a reservoir discharge triggered the sudden deluge. Local officials have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution near water bodies and to heed weather warnings.
Flash floods remain a recurring hazard in Kerala's hilly regions during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, when heavy rainfall can cause rapid water level rises in rivers and streams. The incident has renewed calls for better safety measures and public awareness at popular riverside gathering spots.