Entry banned at several tourist places as Kerala reels under torrential rains

Kochi: As heavy rains continue to lash the town, entry will not be allowed at the tourist spots coming under the Ernakulam DTPC. 

The secretary of the District Tourism Promotion Council has informed that the entry will be prevented until the rain warning is lifted.

Ecotourism centers under Malayattoor forest division are also closed. Kaladi Mahagani Thottam, Bhoothathankett and Panieli Poru ecotourism centers will be closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 31, August 1 and 2). 

Many houses were flooded in Paravoor, Aluva and Kothamangalam areas. All the shutters of Bhoothathankett Dam have been opened. The water level in Periyar is rising exponentially. From Periyar, water began to enter the nearby paddies and low-lying areas through tributaries. The four shutters of Kallarkutty Dam have been raised by 90 cm each.

The district administration has instructed the public to be vigilant on the banks of Muthirapuzhayar and Periyar rivers. The water level at Kaladi and Marthanda Varma Bridge has exceeded the warning level. Twelve shutters of Pathalam RCB were lifted. Similarly, ten shutters of  Kanakkan Kadav RCB were also raised.

The water level in Muvatupuzha and Thodupuzha is above the danger level. The water level at Kaliyar, Kothamangalam and Kakadassery is also above the warning level.

Entry banned at tourist spots in Thrissur, Kottayam 

Kochi: Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian, who is also the chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, has announced that entry at all tourist spots in Thrissur district has been banned for Tuesday and Wednesday (July 30 and 31). Also, commutation via Chalakudy and Malakkappara has been restricted, even at night. In case of emergency, permission to travel can be sought by contacting the authorities.

With Kottayam district also reeling under the torrential rains and there are warnings that the rain will intensify in the coming days, District Collector John V Samuel,  who is the chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority as well, has banned the entry to the tourist centers of Kottayam district such as Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu and Marmala stream and night travel on Erattupetta-Vagamon road till August 4.