Here are the updates from Kerala as heavy rain due to the intensifying southwest monsoon is wreaking havoc across the State
Monsoon woes
A video of the wild elephant caught in the surging Chalakudy river, raging Athirappilly waterfalls and the submerged Aluva Siva Temple
| Video Credit: The Hindu Video Team
Here are the updates from Kerala as heavy rain due to the intensifying southwest monsoon is wreaking havoc across the State
Districts across Kerala have been witnessing severe downpour since Sunday fuelled by a cyclonic circulation over Rayalaseema and a north-south trough coupled with a shear zone over south peninsular India. Seven people have died due to various rain-related incidents, including landslips, flash floods and road accidents, and as many as five houses were destroyed and 55 houses damaged.
Water levels in rivers and reservoirs too have risen to dangerous levels at number of places in the State that is criss-crossed by 44 rivers. Therefore, seven relief camps were opened and dozens of people living in low-lying areas and river banks were relocated to these camps in various districts.
Moreover, National Disaster Response Force teams are on standby in Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Thrissur. Four more team would be deployed in Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kollam and Malappuram. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has tasked the Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Vijay Sakhare, and ADGP, Armed Police Battalions, M.R. Ajith Kumar, to coordinate the rain preparedness.
Here are the live updates:
Kozhikode
District collector declares holiday for all educational institutions
The Kozhikode District Collector has declared a holiday for educational institutions, including professional colleges, on Wednesday in the wake of a ‘red alert’ forecasting extremely heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday. Heavy rainfall is continuing in many parts of the district, said an official press release.
Also read: More rain forecast: red alert in 7 districts today
Alappuzha
Coast Guard’s rescue mission off Alappuzha and Chettuva
Coast Guard providing assistance to fishing boat John Bernice off Alappuzha
Coast Guard’s vessel Arnvesh has rescued six fishermen who were stranded in rough seas off the coast of Alappuzha since yesterday. At the request of fishermen, the Coast Guard team is also trying to two the two boats ‘John Bernice’ and ‘Vadakkethoppil’. Meanwhile, another Coast Guard team is out on an aerial mission to search for two fishermen who went missing off Chettuva coast in Thrissur district.
Read more: Coast Guard looking for missing fishers off Kerala coast, trying to tow stranded boats to safety
Thrissur
Wild elephant rescued from Chalakudy river
A wild elephant was caught in the raging current of the Chalakudy river. The animal can be seen struggling to move around in the rapid current of the river that has swollen up due to heavy rain in the upstream areas.
Ernakulam
NDRF team in Ernakulam
Ernakulam district collector Renu Raj meeting the 25-member NDRF team
| Photo Credit: PRD
A 25-member NDRF team deployed to meet any emergency situation has reached Ernakulam and met District Collector Renu Raj.
Wayanad
National Highway 766 inundated near Kerala-Karnataka border
Ponkuzhy, on National Highway 766, near Kerala-Karnataka border flooded due to heavy rain that has lashed the district. August 2, 2022 | 02/08/2022
| Photo Credit: EM Manoj
A day of heavy downpour has flooded a section of the NH 766 near Ponkuzhy Temple near Kerala-Karnataka border. Vehicles are struggling to cross the section and travel to either side.
Ernakulam
Water levels rising in Periyar and Muvattupuzha rivers
Aluva Siva Temple on the banks of the Periyar river where thousands thronged to do bali tarpan for the departed last week, is fully under water, a day after Ernakulam district witnessed heavy rains
| Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Major rivers in Ernakulam district are filling up fast with the water rising above the flood warning levels at bridges across Periyar and Muvattupuzha rivers. The extended periods of downpour since Sunday morning have also led to the water level in Boothathankettu reservoir to rise to 29 m against the full reservoir level of 34.95 m. The authorities have decided to open all 15 shutters of the barrage.
Ernakulam
Kochi city inundated; roads underwater
Many areas in Kochi city, including the arterial M.G. Road and the business hub near Menaka Junction, were flooded following heavy rain on Monday
| Photo Credit: Nithin R K
Several parts of Kochi city were flooded on Monday, August 1, causing traffic blocks and other difficulties for commuters. The rain started around 1 a.m. on Monday and continued till late in the afternoon. Rajendra Maidan, Banerjee Road, Providence Road, Judges’ Avenue and several areas in West Kochi got submerged.
