Heavy rain triggered flooding, isolated landslips, and widespread damage across Kozhikode district on Saturday (August 1, 2026), prompting the district administration to intensify rescue and relief measures. The Revenue department authorities opened eight relief camps, accommodating 214 people from 72 families evacuated from vulnerable areas.

Officials attached to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said no casualties or injuries were reported till Saturday evening. The relief camp members included 84 men, 72 women, and 58 children.

Vadakara taluk accounted for the largest number of evacuees, with 109 people from 33 families shifted to the relief camp at the Vilangad parish hall. In Thamarassery taluk, 95 people from 36 families were moved to four relief shelters. A family of three was provided shelter at a camp opened at Kumaranallur village in Kozhikode taluk.

Revenue officials said five houses were damaged in rain-related incidents across the district, while four others were found to be in a dangerous state. Several families residing in landslide-prone upland areas were relocated to safer places and relatives’ homes as a precautionary measure.

Fire and Rescue Services officials reported structural damage, landslips, and the collapse of retaining walls and protective structures in several rural areas. They said emergency squads had been deployed following instructions from the higher authorities to clear roadblocks and carry out evacuations from vulnerable locations.

The situation worsened in Engapuzha town and neighbouring areas after the Engapuzha river overflowed following incessant rain. More than 30 houses and several commercial establishments were affected by floodwaters. Traders reported losses after water entered shops, with many unable to move their goods to safer locations before the water level rose.

Officials said rising water levels in the Iruvazhinji river could lead to further evacuations. Flooding was reported from Kodenchery and Koodaranhi areas, where rescue teams were kept on standby. In a rain-induced landslip at Nirannapara near Kodenchery, nearly four acres of agricultural land were destroyed.

The DDMA imposed restrictions on traffic through the Thamarassery ghat road following safety concerns. District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty issued orders under Sections 30 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, prohibiting the movement of heavy vehicles, multi-axle lorries, trailers, tourist transport vehicles, and non-essential private vehicles through the pass.

Joint inspections

In support of the safety measures, the Kozhikode Rural police have set up checkpoints at Adivaram, while rapid response teams equipped with earthmovers, chain saws, and rescue equipment were positioned along vulnerable stretches of the ghat road. Joint inspections were carried out by the Public Works department (PWD) and the Forest department.

Access to tourist and eco-tourism destinations, including Kakkayam and Kariyathumpara, has been restricted due to rising water levels. The Malabar River Festival organisers also postponed kayaking events scheduled for Saturday until clearance was obtained from the DDMA.

The Kerala State Electricity Board issued a safety advisory asking residents to stay away from snapped power cables and trees touching electric lines. The authorities urged people in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with evacuation measures.

Published - August 01, 2026 09:20 pm IST