Synopsis : On 19 October, relentless overnight rain unleashed chaos across the Idukki district of Kerala. The tragedy serves as a clarion call for urgent policy reform in disaster management. Early warning systems must evolve to be people-centric and multi-hazard oriented.

The intensifying northeast monsoon claimed its first life in Kerala’s Idukki district on 19 October, as relentless overnight rain unleashed chaos across the region. Torrential downpours inundated roads and homes, swept away parked vehicles and triggered devastating mudslides, bringing traffic to a standstill while crippling power lines and mobile networks.

Neighbouring Tamil Nadu’s Theni district also bore the brunt, with mudslides disrupting the Kumali inter-state ghat road. Villages along the Periyar River faced sev

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