Heavy rain lashes Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram; houses flooded in Vithura

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rain is lashing Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram districts in Kerala, with water entering several houses in Vithura and traffic suspended on the Adimali-Munnar route following a massive boulder fall. An orange alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram district amid the possibility of intensified rainfall in the coming hours.

Heavy rainfall has been reported in the Vithura-Ponmudi region, where water has entered several houses. The Podiyakala tribal settlement has been cut off, while the water level in the Vamanapuram River is rising.

In Idukki, heavy rain continues to affect the high-range areas. With the water level rising due to the intensifying northeast monsoon, four shutters of the Kallar Dam will be opened by 20 cm each from 8 pm on Tuesday.

The decision comes as continuous rainfall in the dam's catchment areas has pushed the water level towards the red alert mark. The current water level stands at 821 metres, against the dam's maximum level of 824.48 metres. Opening the shutters will result in the release of up to 80 cubic metres of water per second.

The district administration has warned residents living along both banks of the Chinnar and Kallar rivers to remain vigilant in view of the release. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Idukki, forecasting the possibility of heavy rain.

Traffic ban on Adimali-Munnar route

Traffic on National Highway 85, which connects Kochi and Dhanushkodi, has been completely suspended following the fall of a massive boulder on the road at Randaam Mile on the Adimali-Munnar stretch.

District Collector Dr Dineshan Cheruvally said the restriction would remain in force until the safety threat had been fully addressed.

The boulder fell on the road on Monday night while soil was being cleared as part of the national highway construction work. Other unstable boulders and large trees have also been identified in the area, posing an additional risk to motorists.

Authorities estimate that it will take three days to safely remove the fallen boulder and clear the other potential hazards. The traffic ban has been imposed as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety.

The following traffic diversions have been announced:

• Munnar to Adimali: Vehicles must take the diversion from Randaam Mile via Anachal and Iruttukanam to reach Adimali.

• Adimali to Munnar: Vehicles must travel via Iruttukanam and Anachal to reach Randaam Mile before proceeding to Munnar.

• Towards Mankulam: Vehicles must turn at Iruttukanam towards Kallar Junction and then proceed to Mankulam.

The Collector has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project director to clear the obstructions and complete the necessary work within three days.

Traffic will be restored only after an expert technical committee confirms that all safety risks have been eliminated.