[3] Major reported incidents in relation to flooding include a landslide in Idukki district on 6 August, claiming 66 lives and an Air India plane crash that caused the death of 21 people.

[9][10] Kerala is located in the south-west of India and has a tropical climate with high annual rainfall caused by monsoon rain patterns.

The majority of its annual rainfall (~80%) occurs during the Southwest Summer Monsoon where warm winds from the Arabian sea cause cloud precipitation over the Western Ghats mountain range.

This combined with strong winds over the Arabian Sea[17] resulted in cloudbursts[18] which saturated soil structures, further weakening bedrock, overwhelming rivers and drainage systems.

[19] Kerala experienced 190% increase in rainfall in the first 10 days of August compared to normal patterns,[3] causing widespread destruction, flooding and landslides.

[24][25][26] An analysis of the most significant landslide in the Pettimudi tea estate, Munnar, Idukki, found that the area experienced "extremely heavy rainfall" as classified by the IMD between 3 and 10 August.

[40] On the 3rd landing attempt, Air India Express Flight 1344 crashed after it slid down a 9-10.5m slope off the runway, killing both pilots and 19 passengers.

[46] Authorities reported closure of multiple routes including the Pala-Erattupetta road in the Kottayam district where the Meenachil River overflowed into neighbouring towns.

[47] Destruction of power lines further affected communication links to the area which caused logistical difficulties in the supply of basic necessities.

[56] Kerala's State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), police and Indian Air Force actively took part in the rescue operations.

[56] These grassroots bodies prioritized safeguarding of children and vulnerable populations, putting focus on ensuring their education continues uninterrupted.

Nooh, the District Collector, used his Facebook presence to conduct frequent live sessions to provide updates on relief efforts to the affected population.

[64][65][9] Kerala State Disaster Management Plan outlines the need to reduce hazard risk with mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

[71][72] Civil defence systems have increased training to support search and rescue efforts and the government has given greater autonomy to local agencies and NGOs.

[73][9][74] Operations involve the implementation of disaster event preparations from Rapid Action Force (RAF), NDRF and Kerala Fire and Rescue.