THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state received the heaviest rainfall since 2013 as normal life waAs thrown into disarray. As downpour continued unabated, roads were inundated at several places in most districts, landslides occurred in the high ranges and dams’ shutters were opened.
A nine-year-old girl, Athira, died at Jellipara, Attappady, in Palakkad district, after falling into a pit, which was filled up to its brim.
Mannarkad, also near Palakkad, received the highest rainfall, 23cm, as the Meteorological Department said heavy showers might continue for a few more days. The government has taken precautions.
“People residing near rivers and landslip-prone areas have been asked to keep vigil. Special attention should be given to children and infirm,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a social media post.
Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan directed the disaster management authorities to take all measures in case of any calamities.
Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) categorised the situation as ‘L2’, which requires the mobilisation of resources at the state level. It has alerted all national agencies, including the armed forces and National Disaster Management Authority, on the situation. Monday has been declared as holiday for educational institutions while, anticipating fresh rounds of landslides, traffic through all hilly tracts has been restricted after 7 pm. The district collectors have been asked to be alert and ready the official machinery to handle emergency situations.
23cm rainfall received at Mannarkad in Palakkad was the highest in the state
Downpour to continue
● CUSAT, MG, Kerala and Calicut varsities as well as Kerala University of Health Sciences postpone all exams scheduled for Monday
● Shutters of Malankara, Idukki, Peppara and Neyyar dams were opened
● Meteorological Department says the situation may continue for a few more days
● Monday has been declared as holiday for all academic institutions in the state
● The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority alerts national agencies including the armed forces
● Roads get inundated at several places. Train services via Kottayam was disrupted following landslide into track in the Kottayam- Changanassery stretch