NEW DELHI: India’s annual monsoon has claimed at least 100 lives across two states, with authorities in Kerala reporting a rise in rain-related deaths while flood-hit Assam continues to struggle with one of its worst monsoon seasons in recent years.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the death toll in the southern state had climbed to 15, while seven people remained missing following days of heavy rainfall, landslides and flash floods.
National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed in the worst-affected districts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam, where rescue and relief operations remain underway.
Heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 14 people and displaced thousands across southern India, with Kerala among the worst-hit states.#India #Floods #Monsoon #southasiandesk pic.twitter.com/k9ZTWmXp15
— South Asian Desk (@SouthAsianDesk) August 3, 2026
“Fire force and police are actively on the scene. Arrangements have been made to distribute food packets at all centres,” Satheesan said, adding that the overall situation was now under control.
In northeastern Assam, officials said the flood death toll had risen to 85 as swollen rivers continued to inundate villages, displace residents and damage infrastructure.
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India experiences heavy monsoon rainfall from June to September every year, but scientists say weather patterns are becoming increasingly erratic, bringing longer dry spells followed by intense bursts of rain that trigger devastating floods and landslides.
Climate experts have warned that the country’s traditionally predictable monsoon is becoming more volatile, with extreme rainfall events occurring more frequently.
While the total seasonal rainfall often remains close to average, it is increasingly falling over shorter periods, overwhelming rivers, drainage systems and vulnerable communities.
Authorities in both Kerala and Assam remain on alert as rescue teams continue searching for missing people, while relief agencies work to provide food, shelter and essential supplies to thousands of displaced residents.
