Kerala CM launches States first Lab on Wheels mobile technology laboratory
The lab, an initiative of ASAP Kerala initiative and Infosys Springboard, aims to introduce school and college students in Kerala to emerging technologies, including AI and robotics.
Kerala local body urges Tamil Nadu to prevent human waste flow into Mullaperiyar dam
Problem due lack of toilet facilities in a bus stand in Tamil Nadu near the Kerala border
Kerala rains: Kakkayam dam spillway gates closed as water inflow declines
Orange alert for eight districts in Kerala on August 7, 2026
BJP unseated in Naranganam grama panchayat in Kerala
Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers in Kerala upbeat about amendments to Drugs and Cosmetics Rules
Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India says the amendments are a progressive leap for the sector as it will be positioned closer to global herbal medicine standards while some experts fear doing away with periodic licence renewal could affect the quality of the products
Collector, PCB officials to conduct joint inspection at waste treatment unit in Keralas Kozhikode
Kerala govt. to allocate 5 crore to revive Travancore Cements
Convictions in Muthanga case require scrutiny, says Kerala HC
Karnataka government gives NOC for Bairakuppa bridge connecting Wayanad and Kodagu
The bridge will become an alternative route connecting Pulpally, Sultan Bathery, Kalpetta and Kozhikode directly to Mysore and Bengaluru
Teacher accused in MDMA case released in police custody
Police sources say the bank transactions that she reportedly carried out for suspected drug traffickers will be verified again with the newly accessed digital evidence
Pukasa music workshop begins on August 8
Music director P.S. Vidyadharan will inaugurate the workshop on Saturday morning.
Palakkad to host ASHA workers State meet
A procession will start from Anchuvilakku junction at 10 a.m. on Saturday and proceed to the stadium bus stand.
240 recruits join Kerala Police
The recruits, comprising 111 from the Special Armed Police Battalion and 129 from the Women Battalion, underwent extensive nine-month training that included physical fitness, legal education, and community engagement, equipping them to tackle contemporary challenges in law enforcement.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap between technical know-how and management skills among startups, leveraging the wealth of experience from seasoned professionals to foster growth in the states Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
75 traffic wardens deployed in Kozhikode to ease congestion
Old Video From Karachi Falsely Shared as Recent Visuals of Kerala Floods
We found out that the video is unrelated to the current Kerala floods and dates back to 2025.
Tenure of coastal police wardens extended
These wardens were drawn from the fishing community and they had played an indispensable role in rescuing people from accidents at sea and during other maritime emergencies.
Rajnath chairs parliamentary panel meeting, discussions focus on Territorial Army
New Delhi, Aug 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of a parliamentary committee, with discussions focusing on the Territorial Army and its members offering suggestions to further enhance its overall effectiveness. Singh said the Territorial Army creates surge capacity for the defence forces by building a reserve of trained soldiers who can be deployed immediately whenever the need arises. The Union minister chaired the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence here, with discussions focusing on the 'Territorial Army. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani, Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officers attended the meeting, the ministry said in a statement. During the meet, senior officials presented a detailed briefing on the Territorial Army's mandate, role and key achievements to the committee members, who offered suggestions to further strengthen the force and enhance its overall effectiveness, it said. In his address, Singh described the Territorial Army's contribution as significant in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's vision of Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that while the role of the defence forces revolves primarily around security-related aspects, the Territorial Army contributes in other areas such as environmental conservation and social work as well. The Territorial Army is a living embodiment of the 'citizen-soldier' concept. While its members engage in civilian pursuits, they simultaneously don the uniform to safeguard the borders and maintain internal security, Singh said. He added that when the personnel complete their tenure and return to civilian life, they act as a vibrant bridge between society and the military, inspiring people, especially the youth, to join the defence forces. The Territorial Army stands as a trained, motivated, and potent force, comprising nearly 44,400 personnel and 59 diverse units, the ministry said. Singh termed the force as first responders, who provide immediate relief and support during natural calamities. He acknowledged their role in carrying out relief and rescue work, and providing medical aid to those in need during Kerala floods, Odisha cyclone and the recent floods in Assam. Commending their contribution in environmental management and climate change mitigation, he said the ecological task forces of the Territorial Army have planted approximately 10 crore saplings till date, with the survival rate ranging between 80-85 per cent. This green initiative is translating the prime ministers 'Mission LiFE' and 'Panchamrit' goals into reality on the ground, he said. Singh also appreciated the efforts of the Territorial Army deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to greater heights. The Territorial Army, raised on October 9, 1949, completed 75 years in 2024 and has served the nation in times of war and in humanitarian and environmental protection work through its journey over the decades. It is fully integrated with the regular Army.
Passenger tries to open emergency exit mid-air, arrested
A passenger on a Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Batik Air flight was arrested for allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit, damaging a window panel, and threatening fellow passengers and cabin crew. The incident occurred mid-flight, and the accused, Jamsheer Athanikkal, faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Aircraft Act, and Kerala Police Act.
Kerala to Roll Out 'My Police Station' Reform From Aug 15
Addressing a press conference here, Chennithala said the initiative was aimed at transforming police stations into people-friendly institutions and marked a historic transformation for the Kerala Police by strengthening democratic and community-oriented policing
Relief effort for flood-affected people in Kerala
Kerala set to launch 'My Police Station' initiative for improved citizen engagement
The initiative, which will be unveile on August 15, is aimed at improving accessibility and accountability, according to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
Kerala govt orders probe into alleged EVM hacking scam targeting Assembly poll candidates
Move after Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan, MP, submits complaint to State police
Kerala HC Grants Bail to Six More Accused in ED Attack Case
The High Court granted bail saying that according to the prosecution the investigation was almost over, the accused had no criminal antecedents involving serious offences
Kerala braces for renewed monsoon fury as IMD warns of heavy downpour
Adding to the weather threat are projected strong surface across Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe, Lakshadweep, Rayalaseema and Telangana for the next two days
Additional charge invoked against them at the instance of prosecution to be formally read out on the day
Red alert in Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam districts, while orange alert issued for 5 districts on Thursday
Discovery Of New Deep-Sea Sharks: Kerala bycatch yields Apristurus drona; Squalus hima follows
Long-Pending Bairakuppa Bridge Project Gets Karnataka Nod: Kerala PWD Minister
Basheer said the Karnataka government had granted its approval for the project, which has remained pending for decades
Kerala High Court Denies Bail To Man Accused Of Raping Stepdaughter
The Kerala High Court has refused bail to a man accused of repeatedly raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter, which resulted in her pregnancy.
7,000 Litres Of Spirit Hidden Under Sacks Seized In Kerala Before Onam
Kerala Excise seizes 7,000 litres of rectified spirit concealed in truck in Payyannur ahead of Onam.
The Forgotten Atelier chronicles the overlooked masters of Raja Ravi Varmas era
Through scattered archives and oral histories, a new book traces the forgotten artists who contributed to Keralas rich heritage
The Forgotten Atelier chronicles the overlooked masters of Raja Ravi Varmas era
Through scattered archives and oral histories, a new book traces the forgotten artists who contributed to Keralas rich heritage
Floodwaters recede in parts of central Kerala; IMD sounds orange alert in five districts
But flooding continues in Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha district, though water levels have begun to decline gradually, say officials
Floodwaters recede in parts of central Kerala; IMD sounds orange alert in five districts
But flooding continues in Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha district, though water levels have begun to decline gradually, say officials
NIA arrests most wanted accused in Praveen Nettaru murder case
Bengaluru: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested one of its most wanted accused in the 2022 murder of BJP Yuva Morcha activist Praveen Nettaru, marking a significant breakthrough in the high-profile case. Umar Farooq M.R., who had been absconding for nearly four years, was arrested during a coordinated operation in Kochi, Kerala. The NIA Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Malabar Milma in Kerala announces 5-crore Onam bonus for dairy farmers
Over 1 lakh dairy farmers to benefit from Onam package
NIA Arrests Absconding Accused in 2022 Murder of Karnataka BJP Leader
The latest arrest comes weeks after the NIA, in July this year, apprehended two other absconding accused -- Abdul Nasir P alias Nasir, and Naushad -- from Kochi in Kerala and Hosur in Tamil Nadu, in a coordinated operation based on information received from the Andhra Pradesh Police
KEAM 2026 NEET UG Result Submission Window Open - Check at cee.kerala.gov.in
CEE Kerala has opened the NEET UG 2026 result submission window on cee.kerala.gov.in for KEAM 2026 medical and medical allied course admissions. Candidates who qualified NEET (UG) 2026 must submit their result online via the KEAM Candidate Portal before August 10, 2026 or risk exclusion from the State Rank List.
Kerala Minister Reacts to Tamil Nadu Budget, Warns of SC Battle Over Mullaperiyar
His remarks came a day after the Tamil Nadu government, in its budget, announced plans to pursue raising the water level of the 131-year-old Mullaperiyar reservoir in Kerala's Idukki district
Southern Bench of NGT issues the directive in a case related to illegal dumping of biomedical and mixed solid waste in various locations across Tiruneveli district of Tamil Nadu in December 2024
NIA arrests another absconding accused in Praveen Nettaru murder case; total arrests reach 25
The accused, Ummar Farook M.R., was arrested in Kochi, Kerala, during a targeted operation based on specific intelligence inputs. He had been absconding since the investigation began
Lulu Group to expand in central Kerala with second hypermarket in Kottayam
Signs LoI with KGA group for a new hypermarket at KGA mall, Changanassery
Kerala: Rains Continue, IMD Issues Orange Alert for Five Districts
Officials said floodwaters have started receding from several low-lying areas in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts
Kerala Man Killed In Dubai Blast. He Was Planning To Bring Wife To UAE
The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed Paul's death and said it was in touch with his family and local authorities to facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains
Kerala to approach apex court if TN proceeds with its reported move to raise the reservoir's water level beyond 142 feet: Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph
Car plunges into river in Keralas Idukki; one dead, three injured
The deceased has been identified as Ernest D., a resident of Vellarada, Thiruvananthapuram, who was driving the vehicle
NIA Nabs Another Accused in Karnataka BJP Leader Praveen Nettaru Murder
The latest arrest comes weeks after the NIA, in July this year, apprehended two other absconding accused Abdul Nasir P. alias Nasir, and Naushadfrom Kochi in Kerala and Hosur in Tamil Nadu, respectively, in a coordinated operation based on information received from the Andhra Pradesh police
Kerala Rain Alert: Kerala anticipates widespread rainfall starting Thursday, with intensified showers expected. The India Meteorological Department issued orange alerts for seven districts due to heavy rainfall. Northern Kerala may experience extremely heavy showers, prompting vigilance in vulnerable areas. Schools and colleges are closed in several taluks as a precautionary measure. Authorities urge residents to remain alert and follow official advisories closely.
CA Arpit Jain said Keralas first-of-the-month dry day taught him an unexpected finance lesson about payday discipline. He recalled a client who spent heavily on dinners, gadgets and online orders after receiving his salary, only to struggle with credit cards later. Automating SIPs and insurance payments on the first day changed the pattern within three months. Jain suggested creating a financial dry day by prioritising investments and budgets before impulse spending.
Some books arrive at the right moment; others wait patiently until life prepares us to read them. I began working on this piece in early April, but a tragedy that struck our family later that month forced me to leave it unfinished. Honestly, I was gone blank. Every time I opened my laptop with the intention of completing the draft, I found myself unable to write. I simply did not have the courage. The person around whom our lives revolved is no longer with us, and the silence left behind made every word feel unbearably heavy. Today, however, I gathered some strength to return to my desk and continue where I had left off. With a heart still carrying grief, I write about Mother Mary Comes to me- a bittersweet mother-daughter tale. It was a rainy afternoon back in 2018 when one friend handed me the copy of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, when after a brief hiatus we met over a delicious cup of coffee to have our usual discourse on art and literature going. When I first cracked open The God of Small Things I felt like stepping into Keralams sultry monsoon-humid, tangled and alive with secrets. It wasnt just a novel it was a dream where the air hummed with the scent of old river water and forbidden love. The novel pulled me under its spell and opened a new horizon where I embraced the words of Roy like a surgeons scalpel. It remains one of the most heart wrenching and memorable books I have ever read. It left me gasping for breath. It opened a new world for me and soon after I finished reading all of her works. Recently it was a privilege to get to read her newly published memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me- an intimate and intoxicating work that not only gives a glimpse into the life of the author herself but also into her tumultuous relationship with her mother, her gangster, Mary Roy whom the author called my shelter and my storm. That duality runs through every page. The memoir is not a confession but a confrontation. A beautiful dialogue between mother and daughter, between history and its witness, between love and defiance, inheritance and exile. Arundhati Roy writes with a sage like calm and composure, bruising through the life of her teacher, activist, litigant, and survivor mother- Mary Roy, the heart and soul of this memoir. Reading it I found myself constantly going back to the stray passages from The God of Small Things and found in them a deeper emotional resonance and humour that I had missed previously. Mary Roys life has been regarded as legendary. Her successful legal battle for womens inheritance rights in Kerala (now Keralam) reshaped Indian law. Her founding of Corpus Christian School transformed the dream of young Indian girls into reality. The spirit she instilled in the young minds was nothing short of a revolutionary. She gave them spines, she gave them wings and she set them free. She bequeathed her unwavering attention and her stern love on them, and they shone back at her. She was the burning flame of courage and defiance. She lit their path and showed the way. Mrs Roys discipline was uncompromising her ambition cataclysmic. She became the maternal figure-nurturing yet coercive, visionary yet intolerant of dissent. Between her bouts of rage Mrs Roy backed her daughter, and if Mrs Roy backed her then nothing was impossible. She could be anything she wanted to be. Such was the charisma of Mrs Roy. As she writes in the memoir, The world was too ridiculous for me to remain too sad for too long. Mary Roys childhood memories, marked by authoritarian control, domestic abuse, and emotional suppression shape her adult personality. Her failed marriage, financial instability and social stigma further deepen her emotional stubbornness. This unhealed trauma shows up in her parenting style by replacing tenderness with discipline, ambition replacing emotional reassurance and criticism becoming a tool of control. This fractured structure mirrors the psychic cost of surviving in a world that insists on coherence when truth itself is a chaotic. Mother Mary Comes to Me is full of fearlessness. It is a practice one repeats. Each chapter bears the quiet courage of someone who understands that truth once spoken with candor cannot be gathered back. It was a journey of rediscovering Roy; I also hold a soft spot for Mary Roy-a woman who derived joy from her career and perhaps, not meant for the nurture and care expected of motherhood. What I enjoyed most about the book is that, it reveals more about Arundhati Roy than her mother. Arundhati Roy: a person who is courageous, brave, angry, kind hearted, insecure and extraordinarily human. Arundhati Roy refuses the moral script designated for women. The corollary to son-worship. The land where sons must be given more than daughters, more of everything-love, money, education and inheritance. The land of infanticide and female foeticide, in which millions of daughters are done away with even before they are born, and few just after. To precisely put, a land that glorifies mothers who produce and then glorify their sons. She insists that intellect and insubordination can coexist. Her voice is both her weapon and wound. That insistence is what makes the memoir revolutionary. In an age of fleeting attention, Arundhati Roy offers permanence-not in fame, but in fidelity to truth. As she writes in the memoir; For me the safest place in the world is also the most dangerous. This encapsulates the emotional heart of the memoir. Roy is honest about pain, resentment and complexity in this memoir. Roy does not hide the emotional trauma she experienced. Her transition from resentment to empathy shows how the author matures as her perspectives shift. Long after I had finished reading the book, one sentence continues to echo in my mind, she was my shelter she was my storm. It is more than a daughters description of her mother; it is the emotional axis around which the entire memoir revolves. Within those few words lies the complexity of every enduring relationship- the strange truth that those who offer us our deepest sense of belonging are often the very people who leave us carrying our deepest wound. Mother Mary Comes to Me is a victory lap for an activist and educator who devoted her entire life to imagining and building a smarter and healthier India but most of all its a beautiful peek into a fascinating person, told with Roys signature wit, candour and whimsical charm. The memoir is a treasure for those who are fans of Roy, and an intensely readable, charming introduction for those unfamiliar with her works. The author hails from Keran Valley of Kupwara District.
Keralam CM visits family of swimming instructor killed in flood rescue
The News Mill
Actor assault case: Kerala High Court dismisses plea for suspension of sentence by second accused
There is prima facie evidence to prove that the accused aided the commission of the crime and participated in the conspiracy as well, says court
HC forms SIT to probe ghee supply to Sabarimala
The Kerala High Court has formed a six-member SIT to investigate Milma ghee procurement irregularities. This special team will probe alleged irregularities in the supply of Milma ghee to the Sabarimala temple. The SIT will be headed by Superintendent of Police MJ Sojan, who is already investigating another case. This officer is investigating the alleged criminal misappropriation of Adiya Sishtam Ghee proceeds.
Life sentence for three in IUML councillor murder case in Kerala
Prosecution examines 45 witnesses; convicts shifted to Kannur Central Jail following verdict
Kerala High Court orders Muvattupuzha RDO to pay 25,000 in costs
RSS aims at weakening Left movement, says Vijayaraghavan
RSSs influence is adversely affecting the countrys governance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi showing undue haste in implementing its agenda in areas including history, higher education and literature, says the CPI(M) leader
Canal restoration to be expedited to curb waterlogging in Kochi
Mullassery Canal restoration to resume on September 1 and be completed by March; inspections against banned single-use plastic to be intensified; authorities order urgent drain cleaning, relocation of shops over drains and faster measures to address waterlogging across the city
Kerala rain 2026: Rain eases in Thrissur, relief camps continue
Five relief camps shelter 59 people; Poringalkuthu dam maintains crest level discharge while three families near Puthur Zoological Park are shifted over landslip risk
Include CBSE-sector representatives on panels for readying education policies: council
Council of CBSE Schools Kerala visits Chief Minister, Ministers and recommend establishment of a permanent coordination and communication mechanism between the States General Education department and CBSE schools
Mullaperiyar dam: Kerala reacts sharply to Tamil Nadu Budget announcement on raising water level
Kerala government sticks to its declared stand that a new dam has to be built in Mullaperiyar to replace the existing structure which is 131 years old, Minister says
Spices Board exploring feasibility of indoor saffron farming in Kerala
Board submits a proposal to Agriculture department to promote indoor saffron farming
Water level rises to 2,350 ft in Idukki reservoir in Kerala
Kerala govt. sanctions 312 cr. more for addressing imbalance in urban-rural allocation
PCB orders closure of Freshcut poultry waste rendering unit in Kozhikode
The action followed repeated public complaints over pollution, continued violations despite earlier regulatory action, and the persistent environmental impact on nearby residential areas
Spurt in chikungunya cases highlights need to check vector population
As on August 4, a total of 105 confirmed and 62 probable chikungunya cases have been reported from various parts of the State, primarily Thiruvananthapuram. Intense monsoon rainfall interspersed with spells of hot weather has led to an abundance in Aedes mosquitoes
SIT to probe irregularities in ghee procurement
Tirur Bar seeks modern court complex to replace century-old building
The present court complex has served the region for over a century, but it lacks the infrastructure needed for the growing number of cases and modern judicial requirements, says Bar Association officials
After 64 years, Usha finally exists in States records
The tribal woman from Nilambur receives her birth certificate at the tribal documentation mega adalat after living without any official document for 64 years
After 64 years, Usha finally exists in States records
The tribal woman from Nilambur receives her birth certificate at the tribal documentation mega adalat after living without any official document for 64 years
Restoration of Mala Jewish Synagogue in Kerala begins, three-month deadline set
Conservation under the 100-day programme of UDF government
Restoration of Mala Jewish Synagogue in Kerala begins, three-month deadline set
Conservation under the 100-day programme of UDF government
Kerala rains 2026: orange alert for seven districts on August 6
IMD issues an orange alert for seven districts Kasaragod, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha on August 6. Remaining seven districts remain under a yellow alert for isolated heavy rain.
Massive traffic overhaul rolled out in Keralas Kollam district ahead of Onam season
Padmavathi Ishaq passes away in Australia
Born at Chalavara in Palakkad district, Padmavathi was a writer and former history teacher at Government Sanskrit College, Pattambi
Aquafit initiative to train 14,000 students in swimming in first phase in Kerala
Minister for General Education N. Samsudheen inaugurates General Education departments programme for schoolchildren
Muthanga land agitation: Geethanandan and other accused approach Kerala High Court
The accused reasoned that the Kalpetta court had only found conspiracy charges prima facie, and contended that such a finding did not fulfill the legal requirements of the offence.
UDF facilitating Sangh agenda in universities, says Pinarayi
He says UDFgovernment is facilitating the Sangh Parivars agenda in Keralas higher education sector by remaining silent on the Governors interventions in universities and abandoning the resistance mounted by the previous LDFgovernment
AIIMS for Kinalur in Kozhikode: more organisations jump on to the bandwagon
Communist Party of India to organise protest demonstration on Thursday; Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry says avoiding Kinalur is akin to neglecting Malabars developmental aspirations
The one-and-a-half-year-old in Nedumangad had sustained over 90 internal and external injuries. Though the child was brought to hospitals for bone fractures before his death, the systematic trauma was never flagged or reported by treating personnel
Rescue hopes adrift as marine ambulance remains out of service in Keralas Kozhikode
Fishermen reiterate demand for a dedicated sea rescue service as the 6-crore vessel awaits repairs more than a year after going out of service
Kozhikode youth alleges abduction, blackmail by six-member gang
The Chevayur police have launched an investigation with the assistance of the cyber cell and are examining digital evidence, including mobile phone records, to identify the accused
Heavy Rains Lash Kerala, Orange Alert Issued in Five Districts
On Thursday, the alert will remain in force for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts
Lab is aimed at equipping students with access to industry-leading data, analytics, and market intelligence tools used by financial professionals worldwide
Moving car gutted in Keralas Kozhikode, driver escapes unhurt
Incident occurred around 9 a.m. on August 5, 2026 near the Pantheerankavu police station
School holiday tomorrow, August 6: On August 6, various regions in India are set to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, prompting local authorities to remain vigilant. Although there is no nationwide holiday planned, school closures will be addressed at a district level. Residents in Delhi-NCR and Kerala should keep a close eye on official advisories to remain informed, as decisions will depend on real-time rainfall updates and safety assessments.
Defamatory post against Kerala Chief Minister: cyber police register case in Kozhikode
Case registered against a Facebook account operating under the name Nithin Kakkedath. Petition filed by a member of the Beypore Block Congress Committee
Monsoon floods and landslides kill more than 100 across India since July
FLOODS and landslides caused by monsoon rains have killed more than 100 people across India since July, according to official data released on Wednesday. Thousands of people have also been forced to leave their homes as floodwaters inundated several areas. The annual monsoon provides rainfall that farmers rely on, but scientists say climate change is making the weather pattern more erratic, unpredictable and deadly across South Asia. India's northeastern state of Assam has recorded the highest number of deaths, with at least 87 people killed, according to chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The worst-hit district in the state is Sivasagar, where 47 people have died and several areas remain under water. State authorities have appealed for financial donations from the public to support relief and rehabilitation efforts. The devastation here is unlike anything these areas have witnessed before, Sarma posted on X. Material losses can be restored, but no compensation can replace a loved one. AFP images showed residents using rafts and inflated boats to reach higher ground with assistance from the state's disaster response officials. In the southern state of Kerala, chief minister VD Satheesan said at least 15 people had died and another seven were missing after several days of heavy rain. More than 300 relief camps have been set up across the state, sheltering over 10,000 people after landslides and rivers overflowing their banks forced people from their homes. In the Himalayan territory of Jammu and Kashmir, at least 31 people have been killed in several short bursts of intense rainfall, according to a report by the public state broadcaster. Monsoon-related disasters occur every year across India after the long summer season, when many parts of the country experience water shortages and drought. Neighbouring Sri Lanka has also been hit by heavy monsoon rains, with flash floods and mudslides killing at least eight people since Monday, according to the Disaster Management Centre. Around 12,000 people have been forced to leave their flooded homes in the country's central region. At the same time, eastern parts of Sri Lanka were facing drought, with authorities transporting drinking water to residents by tanker trucks. The government last month said the severe weather events were linked to this year's El Nino weather phenomenon, which warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The government has not yet estimated the potential economic losses caused by El Nino but has set up a ministerial task force to reduce its impact. (With inputs from agencies)
