Heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc in Kerala, causing widespread devastation and prompting authorities to issue alerts across the state. Four casualties have been reported so far, including a migrant worker whose body was found after a boat capsized near the Thottappally spillway. One person remains missing in Kozhikode, while a woman and her grandchild were swept away by floodwaters in Malappuram.
The India Meteorological Department has revised its rain predictions and declared a red alert for Idukki, along with an orange alert for all districts except Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist until Saturday.
Numerous damages have been reported, with Irinjalakkuda in Thrissur experiencing uprooted trees and snapped electric lines due to a sudden whirlwind. In Idukki, the Kalarkutty dam's shutters were raised by 15 cm each, and the Pambla dam (lower Periyar) also released water. Residents living along the Periyar and Muthirapuzha rivers have been issued warnings.
As a result of the heavy rainfall, educational institutions in six districts have been declared closed for the day. Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Kannur have announced a holiday for all educational institutions, while in Kasaragod, only schools have been granted a holiday. In Pathanamthitta, schools converted into temporary relief camps have been closed.
The continuous downpour has led to significant destruction throughout Kerala. Trees have been uprooted in several districts, including Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, resulting in damaged houses and disruptions in traffic flow. Coastal areas have been severely affected, with seawater entering low-lying regions. Night-time travel has been banned in high-range areas of Idukki as a precautionary measure.
The rising water levels in rivers such as Pamba and Meenachil have posed risks to nearby communities. Coastal areas, including Nayarambalam, Njarakkal, Chellanam, Puthenthodu, Cheriyakadavu, and Kannammali, are on high alert due to rough seas and strong winds. Families in Ponnani have been relocated to relief camps due to extensive sea erosion.
Authorities have urged the public to take necessary precautions against flash floods and soil erosion. The Disaster Management Committee has instructed the police to restrict travel to landslide-prone areas and mountain roads. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force has stationed a team in Nilambur to promptly respond to emergencies.
The situation in Kerala remains challenging as heavy rain continues to pose threats. People are advised to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and adhere to the safety guidelines issued by the authorities.
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