FILE PHOTO: The death toll in the Nilambur flash flood in Kerala’s Malappuram district rose to five on Monday after three more bodies were recovered during search operations in the Kottapuzha River. Six people were swept away at TK Nagar on Sunday evening following heavy rain in forested areas upstream.

The death toll in a flash flood in Nilambur in Malappuram district rose to five on Monday, with three more bodies recovered after search operations resumed for people who went missing in Kottapuzha River, officials said.

Six people were swept away in the flash flood at TK Nagar in Nilambur on Sunday evening.

Revenue Minister A P Anilkumar, who is camping at the spot, said two bodies were recovered on Sunday night and three more bodies were recovered after the search resumed on Monday morning.

"The water level in the river has receded, which has helped in carrying out the search in full swing, and we expect to trace all the missing persons soon," he told reporters.

Six people went missing in the flash flood.

The deceased were Parannaparamban Muhammed Kutty (69), a native of Tirur, and Mangadan Anas (32) of Edarikode.

On Monday morning, the bodies of Rahim of Karuvarakundu, Kuppanath Sajjadh of Vandoor, Kottakkunnu and Chettiyarmmal Kuruppath Rafiq were recovered during the search, officials said.

All five were tourists, officials said.

The search is on for Sajitha (26), a local resident, who was washing clothes on the riverbank when she was swept away by the strong current.

A joint team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services personnel and local residents resumed the search around 6.30 am on Monday, officials said.

The operation was called off on Sunday night due to strong currents in the river and low visibility.

The incident occurred around 5.30 pm on Sunday at Kottappuzha in the TK Colony eco-tourism centre.

The flash flood occurred within minutes of heavy rain in the forested areas upstream, officials said.

Published on September 21, 2026