Pathanamthitta, Aug. 2 -- Traders in Ranni town of Keralam's Pathanamthitta district are grappling with heavy financial losses after severe rainfall and flash floods caused the Pamba River to overflow, inundating shops, warehouses and commercial establishments within a matter of hours.

Business owners are assessing the extent of the damage while struggling to resume normal operations after floodwaters submerged several parts of the town.

The flooding followed extremely heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of Pathanamthitta district, which triggered flash floods and caused the Pamba River to breach its banks, leaving many areas of Ranni under waist-deep water.

Describing the sudden rise in water levels, a local pharmacy owner said the fl...