Kerala Rains: Rainfall Eases in Malappuram and Palakkad, but Authorities Maintain Alert

Rainfall eased across Kerala’s Malappuram and Palakkad districts on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, yet local authorities maintained precautionary measures due to ongoing risks from rain-related hazards. While river levels have begun receding, road closures, active relief camps, and a fatal electrocution incident underscore the continuing impact of recent inclement weather.

What Happened

Following heavy downpours, a mudslide on Monday triggered the closure of the Vengara-Malappuram road at Edayipalath, near Panakkad. The Public Works Department (PWD) diverted traffic along the route to ensure public safety. Educational institutions in both Malappuram and Palakkad districts observed a holiday on Tuesday.

In Palakkad district, an electrocution incident in Thennilapuram claimed a second life on Tuesday morning. Radhika, 36, passed away at the Government District Hospital in Palakkad after being critically injured on Saturday while attempting to save her mother-in-law, Sharada, who died the same day. Sharada was electrocuted while hanging clothes on an iron-wire clothesline attached to an iron pole. Initial findings suggest a temporary power connection for construction work had developed a leak that energized the pole and line. Police are investigating potential electrical safety violations.

Key Highlights

• Rainfall subsided on August 4, 2026, across Malappuram and Palakkad districts.
• Water levels in the Bharathapuzha, Kadalundipuzha, Chaliyar, and Kunthipuzha rivers started receding.
• PWD closed the Vengara-Malappuram road at Edayipalath near Panakkad due to a Monday mudslide, with traffic re-routed.
• Educational institutions in both affected districts observed a holiday on Tuesday.
• Malappuram district established 13 relief camps accommodating 441 people from 97 families, including 148 men, 199 women, and 94 children.
• The largest camp at GLP School, Thavalakkulam in Ponnani taluk houses 106 people, while DUHSS in Panakkad shelters 103 evacuees.
• Five camps in Eranad house 210 people, four in Tirurangadi house 104 people, alongside additional camps in Kondotty, Nilambur, and Ponnani.
• The death toll from the Thennilapuram electrocution case rose to two following the death of Radhika on Tuesday.

Why This Matters

Even as precipitation declines and water levels in major rivers like the Bharathapuzha drop, residual risks such as mudslides and unstable ground remain serious. Authorities have urged residents in hilly areas and along riverbanks to maintain vigilance and refrain from entering waterbodies until conditions fully stabilize.

What to Watch Next

Police will continue their investigation into whether safety non-compliance led to the fatal electrical leak in Thennilapuram. Local administrative authorities and PWD officials will monitor road conditions and water levels before resuming normal traffic and closing relief facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rivers are affected by the recent rainfall?

Water levels began receding in the Bharathapuzha, Kadalundipuzha, Chaliyar, and Kunthipuzha rivers following reduced rainfall.

How many people are currently staying in relief camps in Malappuram?

A total of 441 individuals from 97 families are sheltered across 13 relief camps in Malappuram district.

Why was the Vengara-Malappuram road closed?

The road was closed at Edayipalath near Panakkad after a mudslide occurred on Monday, prompting traffic diversions by the Public Works Department.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.