While heavy rains and high-speed winds persisted in some regions of Kerala, water levels in several rivers and dams increased, houses were destroyed by fallen trees and electricity supply was affected in most parts of the state on Sunday. As rains intensified in some parts of the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had announced an 'orange alert' in three districts — Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod — of the state for the day. It also announced a 'yellow alert' in six other districts.
An 'orange alert' means "very heavy" rain ranging between 11 to 20 cm, while a 'yellow alert' indicates "heavy rain" ranging between 6 and 11 cm.
While this, Kerala State Revenue Minister K Rajan opined that even though heavy rain and windy conditions have prevailed in Kerala over the past few days, resulting in minor landslides and tree uprooting in several places in the state, the intensity of the rains is likely to subside from Sunday onwards.
"The strong winds may continue for another two days," he added.
In Wayanad district, Banasura Sagar dam shutters were opened to around 85 cm in the morning to let out about 100 cusecs of water in light of heavy rains over its catchment area, said district administration.
It cautioned people residing on the riverbank downstream and other low-lying regions to exercise caution.
Also read: Sakthan appointed as interim chief of Thiruvananthapuram DCC
At Pathanamthitta district, all the three shutters of the Moozhiyar reservoir were opened to let out water as its levels increased over the 'red alert' level of 190 meters.
The rains and gusty winds in the south Kerala district damaged over 100 homes, displacing several families to relief camps.
Relief camps were also set up in Wayanad district and about 30 families have been shifted there, the district administration added.
Irrigation Design and Research Board (IDRB) had issued 'flood warning alerts' regarding Manimala, Pamba and Achankovil rivers in Pathanamthitta, Muvattupuzha, Kaliyar and Periyar in Ernakulam, Pallikkal in Kollam and Vamanapuram in the Thiruvananthapuram district of the state.
It also had issued 'alerts' regarding Bharathappuzha and Chalakudy rivers in Thrissur, Thodupuzha in Idukki, Bhavani in Palakkad, Korappuzha in Kozhikode, Valapattanam in Kannur and Kabani in Wayanad district of Kerala.
It advised residents along the banks of these rivers to remain cautious and be ready to shift to safer locations if needed.
The IMD also advised fishermen not to undertake fishing operations along the Kerala-Lakshadweep coasts on July 27-29 and along the Karnataka coast on July 27-31 owing to adverse weather and rough winds.
Another advisory to fishermen was given by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in consideration of the possibility of sea surges and waves of 2.9 to 3.2 meters along the coast of Kannur-Kasaragod from 5.30 pm on July 27 to 2.30 am on July 28.
Follow us
