Kottayam: Central and southern Kerala received heavy rains on Saturday night. All major rivers in central Kerala including Pamba, Achankovil, Meenachi and Manimala are in spate. Low lying areas in Pathanamthitta and Kottayam are under water. More relief camps were opened in Kuttanad.
As water receded from Pala, Kottayam and its neighbouring areas were inundated. Overflowing Kodoor and Meenachil rivers brought low lying areas in Kottayam city under water. Residents were shifted to safer locations from Ayarkunnam, Peroor, Poovathummoodu, Parechal, Thiruvanchur and Thazhathangadi areas. Water entered Kumarakom, Aymanom, Arpookkara and Thiruvarppu panchayats.
A red alert has been sounded in Idukki on Sunday. There was some respite in the heavy rain in the morning. Water level in Mullaperiyar dam increased and the officials have warned people residing on the banks of Periyar river. There are strong currents in Periyar river. Opening the spillway of Mullaperiyar dam at this time could lead to danger.
Though there is respite from the heavy rain in Alappuzha, water level in Kuttanad has increased. Low lying areas are under water and Kuttanad is under flood threat. If the water level increases further, the situation could be similar to that of last year.
There are concerns in Pathanamthitta also. Eastern areas of the district have been receiving heavy rains. Water level in Pamba dam is nearing its maximum capacity. The dam could be opened on Sunday or Monday depending on the rain. Meanwhile, water has receded from Aranmula and Ranni areas.
