Heavy rain batters northern districts

The flooded service road of the National Highway under construction at  Velapuram in Kannur following   heavy rain on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: S.K. MOHAN

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds since Monday evening has caused widespread damage in northern districts, inundating houses and roads, uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued red alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode; orange alert for Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur; and yellow alert for Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta.

Heavy rain battered various parts of the region. According to officials, widespread waterlogging has been reported in several urban centres, significantly affecting daily life and transportation in north Kerala.

In Kasaragod, a section of the national highway service road under construction near Mavungal Chemmattamvayal collapsed around 4 a.m. on Tuesday following heavy rain. Traffic came to a standstill and was diverted through a narrow route, leading to severe congestion. Authorities launched a probe into the road collapse even as people demanded urgent steps to repair the road.

Damage to service roads in heavy rain in Thrissur district resulted in severe traffic congestion along National Highway 544, especially along the Mannuthy–Wadakkanchery stretch. The worst-affected stretch is near Vazhukkumpara, close to the Kuthiran tunnels.

Asked about the caving in of a portion of the elevated national highway at Kooriyad and similar incidents in Kannur, Kasaragod, and Thrissur, Mr. Vijayan said in Kozhikode that detailed discussions would be held with the NHAI. “It is an unfortunate incident. There is a need to find out if the construction of the road is in line with the geographical character of that region and if there were any lapses. All steps will be taken to complete the ongoing works,” he pointed out.

In Kannur, 125.4 mm of rain was recorded, paralysing life as floodwaters entered houses and submerged roads. Supply of essential goods was disrupted and vehicular movement remained sparse. Construction activities came to a halt and attendance in government offices was thin in Kannur district.

One death

A fishing boat from Koyilandy capsized near the Vellayil harbour resulting in the death of a person from Nadakkavu in Kozhikode district. Another fibre fishing boat capsized near Kothi bridge, though no casualties have been reported. Damage to property have been reported from Mukkam and Thamarassery. Heavy rain in the forest near Kodenchery has resulted in flash floods and a rise in the water level in the Iruvazhinji river.  

According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), as the rain continues, the chances of landslips and mudslides may increase, especially in hilly regions. Authorities have urged the public and government departments to exercise extreme caution.

Officials issued safety advice, urging people living in hilly areas experiencing heavy rain, particularly those at risk of landslips, mudslides, and flash floods, to move to safer locations as early as possible, preferably during daylight hours. Residents in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging should assess the situation and move to nearby relief camps or safer shelters if necessary, they added.

The government has asked everyone to remain alert and follow official updates closely as the weather situation develops.

(with inputs from PTI)