A devastating flash flood struck the Nilambur area in Kerala's Malappuram district on Sunday evening, resulting in at least five deaths with rescue operations continuing for a missing woman. The floodwaters surged unexpectedly, catching a group of visitors who had assembled along the riverbed and climbed on granite boulders for leisure and sightseeing.
According to local authorities, there was no prior warning about the sudden rise in water levels before the deluge hit. The victims, believed to be tourists and locals enjoying the weekend, were swept away by the fast-moving current as water levels rose rapidly. Emergency responders, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Kerala State Disaster Management Authority teams, and local police, rushed to the scene but could only recover five bodies by nightfall.
Nilambur, historically significant as home to the world's oldest cultivated teak plantation, is crisscrossed by several streams and rivers that swell during heavy rainfall. The region has experienced similar flash flood incidents in previous monsoon seasons, raising concerns about visitor safety and inadequate early warning systems in such recreational spots. Local residents have long complained about the lack of proper signage, barriers, and alert mechanisms at popular riverbed gathering points.
The search for the fifth victim, a woman whose whereabouts remain unknown, is ongoing. Rescue teams equipped with boats and thermal imaging equipment are combing the affected area as night descended. Local residents have also joined the search effort, navigating the treacherous terrain to assist official teams.
District administration has ordered a review of safety protocols at all riverine recreational spots across the district, emphasizing the need for better monitoring during inclement weather.
