Kochi : Torrential rainfall through the night has left a trail of destruction across the state, especially in the northern districts. The incessant rains have put most rivers at risk of causing floods, with much of them overflowing their embankments. Idukki has been particularly impacted with landslides occurring at four locations in the district. .
The Central Water Commission has issued flood warnings to six states, including Kerala. The meteorological department has forecast heavy downpours to last up to Tuesday in the state. Rains are predicted to last through such long time because a depression, apart from the one we now have, is likely to build up in Bay of Bengal on the 9th.
In Idduki, landslides hit three places in Veerumattu and one in Chinar. A man was killed in Wagamon after his car, parked close to Nalathanni bridge, was swept away in the landslide. The deceased was identified as Naalathanni native, Martin. Idukki continues to witness heavy showers in much of the district. Authorities there, have begun to evacuate households located in low lying areas.
Shutters at Nedukandum-Kallar dam have been raised following high water levels and settlements along Melechinnar, Ruval and Perinchamkattti have been alerted to the situation and advised vigil.
As rains continue incessantly, all shutters of dams at Kallarkatti and Lower Periyar have been raised. As a result, residents along Muthirapuzha and Periyar rivers have been put on alert to possible floods. 3 shutters of Ponnmudi dam were raised 30 cm high this morning 10 am, to drain 65 cubic water into Paniyar river.
Heavy rains continue to pound Munnar. Mud slide occurred a Gap Road there for the second time, in an almost identical manner.
Meanwhile, though water levels remain high, authorities have indicated there need be no anxiety over dams in Idukki and Mullaperiyar.
Alerts Across Districts
Malappuram has been put on red alert. Orange alert has been announced for districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod while Alappuzha and Kottayam have been placed on yellow alert. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the seas where huge waves are expected to lash up to 11.30 Friday.
Water levels in rivers at Thodupuzha, Killiyar, Kothamangalam, and Muvattupuzha have reached flood levels. 17 houses were destroyed by floods in Piravom while Nilambur town has been inundated.
