Pathanamthitta: Water level in the Pamba River is rising to dangerous levels. A red alert has been issued for the Moozhiyar Dam, and authorities have warned that its shutters could be opened any time. As the reservoir has reached its full storage capacity of 192 feet, officials said there is a possibility of opening 3 shutters, which would further raise water levels in the Kakki and Pamba rivers.

Following the rise in the Pamba River, an extreme alert has been issued for the Aranmula region. Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey said that floodwaters arriving from Ranni, combined with the release of water from the Moozhiyar Dam, could worsen the situation.

Fishing boats and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations. More than 20 relief camps have already been opened in Aranmula, and efforts are underway to evacuate people stranded on the upper floors of their homes.

Rescue operations are being hampered by residents who are reluctant to leave their flooded homes. In several places, people are being shifted to safer locations using boats and JCB excavators. The district administration has urged those living along the banks of the Pamba River to remain on high alert and move to safer places immediately. Meanwhile, officials clarified that reports claiming that major dams, including Kakki, would be opened are baseless.

Restrictions have also been imposed on the Sabarimala pilgrimage due to the continuing heavy rainfall. Pilgrims travelling from Nilakkal have been restricted following a landslide at Attathode. Entry restrictions are also in place for devotees arriving via Erumeli. Heavy rain in and around Sabarimala has caused the Pamba River to swell. Pilgrims have been prohibited from entering the river for ritual bathing or performing bali tharpanam. The restrictions apply to both devotees already at Sannidhanam and those arriving for darshan.

Flooding in Ranni town has dealt a severe blow to traders, with Onam stocks damaged in several shops. Traders accused the district administration of failing to issue timely flood warnings. Local residents alleged that the failure to remove silt and mud from the riverbed contributed to the rapid flooding. Low-lying areas in Perunad, Vadasserikkara and Narayanapuram remain submerged. Waterlogging on the Kozhencherry and Thiruvalla roads has also disrupted private bus services.