Several regions in south and central Kerala went under water as heavy rainfall lashed the state. As visuals of rivers in spate amid the torrential downpour hit social media, the India Meteorological Department issued a ‘red alert’ and warned of particularly heavy rainfall in 5 districts.
Four killed in landslides
Four persons have died in landslides at Koottikkal in Kottayam and Kokkayar in Idukki districts as heavy rain is continuing in Kerala, with six districts place on red alert.
IMD Issues ‘Red Alert’ for Kerala
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a ‘red alert’ for Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts. An ‘orange alert’ has been issued for pretty-heavy rainfall for Palakkad, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, and Wayanad districts.
The IMD mentioned in its most recent statement the state was most likely to obtain isolated heavy-to-pretty-heavy rainfall with isolated spells of particularly heavy rainfall till Sunday morning beneath the influence of a low-stress region more than southeast Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala. The weatherman has also predicted isolated heavy rainfall on Monday, but reduction in rainfall from Tuesday morning.
Kerala CM Appeal
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appealed for additional vigil more than the next 24 hours. In a post on his official Facebook web page, the CPI(M) Politburo member mentioned the rains had currently hit the state’s southern and central districts. He warned that the rainfall would intensify in the northern districts by the evening, according to the IMD’s forecast.
Rivers in Spate
The water level in numerous rivers is anticipated to go up and the state would most likely have to open the sluice gates particular dams, Vijayan mentioned. He added that residents living in catchment regions of rivers ought to be prepared to stick to directions.
The government raised 4 shutters of Neyyar Dam to be raised by 240 cm amid the increasing water level. The state authorities mentioned the Aruvikkara Dam shutters would be raised to 350 cm.
The water level in rivers, like the Manimala and Meenachal, is increasing steadily.
Miraculous Escape
Two children escaped with minor injuries soon after a wall of their property collapsed following Friday’s incessant rain at Chempakamangalam. The wall collapsed on the children’s bed when they have been asleep, family sources reportedly mentioned.
Horrific Images
A viral clip on social media showed a bus stuck in a waterlogged street as the passengers struggle inside to come out — becoming one of the most defining photos of the rain horror.
Another clip shows a handful of males attempting to pull out a car working with only a rope amid the downpour.
Tourist Places Off Limits
Thiruvananthapuram Collector Navjot Khosa has urged persons to stay away from tourist web-sites or going close to rivers and water bodies.
Several districts, like Kottayam and Kollam, reported harm to roads. In Kuttanad, the state’s ‘rice bowl’ spread across Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, serious waterlogging has made life miserable.
IAF Assistance Sought
The Kerala government has sought help from the Indian Air Force to conduct rescue operations following landslides. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the IAF enable has been sought to conduct a rescue operation at Koottikal in Kottayam district soon after landslides isolated a handful of households.
Ten Missing in Kottayam
Cooperation and Registration Minister VN Vasavan informed PTI that 10 persons have been missing soon after the heavy rain washed away 3 homes in Kottayam.
Pathanamthitta and Kottayam are the districts most hit by the torrential rain.
Disaster Management
The Thrissur administration has urged persons living in the district’s low-lying and disaster-prone regions and on riverbanks to move to greater ground.
The state administration has also barred fishing boats from venturing into the sea.
Revenue Minister K. Rajan carried out an on line meeting of district collectors and took stock of the harm.
Health Minister Veena George also convened an on line meeting of MLAs at the Pathanamthitta collectorate. Pathanamthitta witnessed serious destruction in the course of the 2018 floods.
Covid-19 Situation
Kerala is nevertheless in the midst of a Covid-19 wave and the serious rain could make it complicated for healthcare personnel to attain patients.