Torrential rain batters Kerala, dam shutters opened, holiday declared in eight districts

Torrential rains continue to lash the state of Kerala for the past 24 hours so much so that some places have recorded three digits rainfall. The Meteorological department has predicted heavy rains for next to days in a few places in Kerala and Lakshadweep Islands. 

Alappuzha, Idukki and Kottayam districts have witnessed relentless downpour resulting in waterlogging, widespread damage and landslides in some areas. Waterlogging caused traffic blocks in some parts of Kochi. 

The district administration of Idukki and Ernakulam districts have declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges and CBSE schools on Monday and Tuesday. Educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Kottayam, Kollam, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad will remain closed on Monday. 

The shutters of Karukutty, Malankara and Neyyar dams were opened, and alerts sounded for residents along Pepara and Neyyar dams. 

The water level in Mullaperiyar dam has risen above 126 ft. A landslide has been reported in Thekkady, but no life is lost yet. 

Roads in Kochi were inundated with the rain and traffic has been stalled along the roads leading from Palakkad to Attappady. A widespread loss of crops is also feared in Idukki, Palakkad and Alappuzha districts. 

The Meteorological department has predicted that the rains are likely to last until September 21/ With the south-west monsoon gaining strength in Kerala, fishermen are warned about strong winds and are asked not to go for deep sea fishing. The wind blowing in southwestern direction is likely to gain a speed of 45-55 km/hr along the Kerala and Lakshadweep area in the next 24-hours. 

Rail traffic too was partially affected in Kottayam-Thiruvananthapuram route as earth caved in and landslide onto the track. 
 

• heavy rain
• school holiday
• torrential rains