The relentless rain that has battered Pathanamthitta for the third consecutive day continued to disrupt normal life on Monday (August 3, 2026), with swollen rivers inundating low-lying areas and forcing thousands to seek shelter in relief camps.

While floodwaters began receding in the upper reaches, low-lying regions in upper Kuttanad, including parts of Thiruvalla and Aranmula, remained under water. The Pampa river recorded a steady decline in water level at Ranni. However, heavy run-off from the upper reaches continued to flow downstream, keeping several low-lying areas in Aranmula and parts of Thiruvalla inundated.

As many as 5,940 people are currently sheltered in relief camps across Pathanamthitta. The Fire and Rescue Services have evacuated 3,627 people from flood-hit areas, with reinforcements comprising 160 personnel from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Palakkad, along with 75 Civil Defence volunteers, joining rescue operations.

Apart from evacuating stranded residents, rescue teams have been supplying food, drinking water and medicines to people trapped in their homes and inmates of relief camps in coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority. Fire and Rescue Services personnel also rescued nearly 60 domestic animals stranded in floodwaters.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man drowned after he went missing while swimming in a flooded paddy field at Karingali Puncha in Pandalam on Monday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Lenin, a resident of Cherumala.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. when Lenin entered the waterlogged paddy field for swimming. A search operation involving the Fire and Rescue Services, police, a scuba diving team and local residents was launched, but he was found dead later in the day. His body was recovered and shifted for postmortem examination.

Although the shutters of the Moozhiyar dam remain open and intermittent rain continues over the Sabarimala forest region, officials said reservoir levels remained well within safe limits. However, residents living along the banks of the Pampa, Achencoil and Manimala rivers have been advised to remain vigilant against possible flashfloods.

Officials also expressed concern over the reluctance of some residents to move to safer locations despite floodwaters entering their homes. A high alert remains in force in the Aranmula region as water levels continue to fluctuate.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar reviewed the flood situation during a meeting held at Ranni and said the State government would ensure compensation for those who suffered losses in the recent rain-related disasters, including damage to agricultural crops. He said the government would sympathetically consider the financial difficulties faced by traders in Ranni, where extensive flooding damaged shops and commercial establishments.

The Minister also directed officials to assist people returning from relief camps in cleaning their houses and restoring normal life.

Meanwhile, the Palliyoda Seva Sangham in Aranmula has postponed the Vallasadya programmes scheduled for August 4 and 5 to August 12, 25 and 29. Dates for the KSRTC Tourism Vallasadya and offering (Vazhipadu) Vallasadyas will be decided in consultation with the organisers.