Heavy rains wreak havoc in Kerala: Multiple dams open, many shifted to safer locations

Thiruvananthapuram: Several districts in Kerala are grappling with severe rainfall, causing widespread devastation.

A mother and her daughter have lost their lives in a landslide at Malakkappara near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The victims have been identified as Rajeshwari and Jnana Priya.

In Kannur district, a crack has developed in the Nedumpoil Pass, which connects to Wayanad, leading authorities to halt traffic. However, the Palchuram route remains accessible despite the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, all floodgates of the Bhoothathankettu Dam have been opened to manage the rising water levels.

In many parts of the state, residents have been evacuated as rainwater has entered their homes. The four gates of Kallarkutty Dam have been raised by 90 cm each, with caution advised along the banks of the Muthirapuzha and Periyar rivers.

In Palakkad, numerous households have been inundated as water has entered homes, disrupting road traffic in several areas. Residents of Ganesh Nagar in Kalpathy were among those affected, while 12 families from Kairady village have been relocated following a landslide. Due to overflowing at the Alampallam River bridge, 50 individuals from 15 homes have also been relocated.

In Ernakulam district, many homes in Paravur, Aluva, and Kothamangalam areas have been inundated. The water level in the Periyar River is rising rapidly, leading to water seeping into nearby fields and low-lying areas through its tributaries.

The water levels at Kalady and Marthanda Varma Bridge in Aluva have surpassed warning thresholds. Twelve shutters of the Pathalam (Regulator-cum-bridge) RCB and ten shutters of the Kanakkankadavu RCB have been lifted in response to rising water levels.

In Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha, water levels have reached dangerous levels, with Kaliyar and Kakkadassery experiencing water levels above the warning mark.

Thirty people from 11 families have been relocated to the Town UP School in Kothamangalam. Water has started entering numerous homes in Paravur. A relief camp has been opened at Kuttikkattukara Government School in Kadungalloor.

In Jawahar Colony, Thrikkariyoor, Kothamangalam, approximately 33 houses are now inundated, while water levels are rising in Mundupalam. Two families have been relocated to a nearby school.

Four houses in the Vattathara area of Aluva's Vadakkumbhagam village have been inundated, prompting residents to move to safer locations. A camp has been established at Vattathara No. 3 Anganwadi.