Engapuzha town in Kozhikode district was badly hit by rain on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
| Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
Several families were shifted to safer locations in the rural parts of Kozhikode district on Saturday (August 1, 2026) following heavy rain and a sharp rise in river water levels. Engapuzha town and its surrounding areas were inundated after river water overflowed, prompting the District Disaster Management Authority to launch immediate evacuation measures.More than 30 houses and several commercial establishments were affected as the Engapuzha river swelled following the incessant downpour. Traffic on the Kozhikod-Wayanad route via Engapuzha was disrupted, forcing the authorities to divert vehicles through alternative rural roads. Local volunteers played a key role in the initial rescue and relief operations and assisted the police in regulating traffic.Traders in the area reported substantial losses after flood water entered their shops. While a few shopkeepers managed to move valuable goods to safer places, many were unable to do so before the water level rose. Revenue Department officials said more families were likely to be evacuated as the water level in the Iruvazhinji river continued to rise.They said incidents of flooding were reported from Kodenchery and Koodaranhi areas, where rescue squads have been asked to remain alert. A minor landslip also occured in the interior area of Kodencheri panchayat though no casualities were reported.Organisers of the Malabar River Festival suspended all kayaking events scheduled for Saturday (August 1) in view of the adverse weather conditions. They said the Kayaking championship would be resumed only after getting clearance from the Disaster Management Authority.
