Kozhikode: Relentless monsoon rains continue to lash Kerala, prompting dam authorities to release excess water and triggering flood-like conditions across multiple districts. Warnings have been issued for downstream residents, while several tourist spots have been shut down amid safety concerns.

In Kannur, the situation turned critical in Iritty, where flood alerts have been issued following sharp rises in river levels. All tourist destinations in the district have been closed to the public as a precautionary measure. In the Aralam forest region, a suspected landslide has been reported, though confirmation is awaited from disaster management authorities. Falling trees have damaged homes and disrupted transport across several parts of the district.

️Dam releases across Kerala

The Pazhassi Dam in Kannur has raised 13 of its shutters to 3 meters, and one to around 2.5 meters, to cope with surging inflow. The public has been advised to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas downstream of the dam.

In Wayanad, water levels are rising rapidly in Thalappuzha. Additionally, increasing inflows into the Banasura Sagar Dam have forced authorities to increase the spillway shutter height.

In Kakkayam, dam shutters were raised by 0.25 feet each to release accumulating rainwater. The power supply in many parts of Thamarassery and nearby hilly regions remains disrupted due to fallen trees on power lines.

Further south, the water levels in the Kakki and Anathode dams in Pathanamthitta district have also shown significant increases, with close monitoring underway.

Storm winds uproot trees, damage homes in Kozhikode

Meanwhile, Kozhikode experienced a night of destruction as strong winds and rain battered areas like Nadapuram, Vilangad, and parts of the Chekyad panchayat, including Parakkadavu, Kuruvantheri, Valayam, Vanimel and Narippatta. Uprooted trees blocked roads and damaged homes across a stretch of more than two kilometers. At the Thamarassery mountain pass, a tree fell at the fourth pass, while a rockslide occurred near the narrow ninth bend, halting traffic until fire and rescue teams intervened.

Yellow alert in 9 districts

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has placed nine districts on yellow alert on Sunday: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Residents in vulnerable areas, especially near rivers, hillsides, and dams, have been urged to stay alert and follow official instructions.