The southwestern state of Kerala is reeling from a fresh bout of heavy monsoon rain, with continuous downpours battering its hilly regions and triggering flash floods in low-lying areas.
The intense weather prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to declare a "very heavy rainfall" Orange Alert across six northern and central districts—Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Lakshadweep is also under the high-level alert.
The most critical situation unfolded in Idukki, where reports of mudslides and extensive flooding emerged from areas like Nedumkandam and Kumily. Water swiftly entered residential homes and commercial establishments in Kattappana, necessitating the immediate evacuation and transfer of residents to temporary relief camps.
Further compounding the crisis, the rising water level at the Mullaperiyar dam prompted the managing authorities to open 13 spillway shutters, releasing 1,400 cusecs of water. Similar discharges were made from three other Idukki dams as a precaution. The relentless rainfall also flooded the area near Ernakulam Junction railway station and inundated agricultural lands in Malappuram, leading to significant crop loss.
With authorities on high alert across various districts due to swelling river levels, a strict advisory remains in place: fishermen must stay off the sea until October 22 as rough weather conditions are projected to continue.
Also Read: Orange alert in 3 Kerala districts amid rain forecast
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