Keralam rains: Rivers in Kottayam swell as heavy rain lashes high ranges

Officials warn of possible flash floods in high ranges

Updated - September 21, 2026 11:46 am IST - KOTTAYAM

A view of the Meenachil river (file) | Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP

Heavy rain that lashed the high ranges of Kottayam, Keralam, through Sunday night sent water levels in major rivers across the region surging, renewing fears of flooding in the district.

The district recorded an estimated 471.2 mm of rainfall till Monday morning. Erattupetta received 178 mm of rain, while Theekoy recorded 185 mm.

The Meenachil River rose by nearly two feet overnight, while the Muvattupuzha and Manimala rivers also continued to swell amid incessant rain. Officials have warned of possible flash floods in the high ranges.

A house was partially damaged and another completely destroyed in a landslide near Mangalagiri in Theekoy on Sunday night. Two people, including a woman tourist from Tamil Nadu, were also killed in separate rain-related incidents.

A landslip at Karikad Top on the Erattupetta-Vagamon road on Sunday evening brought down soil onto two cars. No casualties were reported, but traffic was disrupted.

Traffic on the Pala-Erattupetta road was also disrupted overnight after water from the Meenachil River gushed onto the road. Traffic was restored by Monday morning after the water receded.

Published - September 21, 2026 11:45 am IST

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