Heavy Rain Wreaks Havoc In Kerala, At Least 3 Feared Dead In Mudflow; More Downpour Predicted
At least three people have been killed and 10 others are missing in Mundakkayam of Kerala's Kottayam district after heavy rains triggered a landslide and mudflow on Friday.
Kottayam, like most southern and central districts of Kerala, has been receiving heavy to very heavy rains for the past few days.
"At least four landslips have been reported from various parts of Kottayam district. We have sought the assistance of the Airforce to rescue people who are stranded in Koottikal area. We have received information about some people missing and over 60 waiting to be rescued as water entered their homes," state minister VN Vasavan said.
Several shocking visuals have been posted on social media showing the horrors of the heavy rains across the states.
In one of the videos, from Poonjar in Kottayam, a KSRTC bus can be seen stranded on the road due to the flood-like waters. The passengers were rescued by locals.
In neighbouring Idukki district too several landslides have been reported since Friday morning. A girl was killed when their car was swept away by the floodwaters in Thodupuzha.?
Almost all major dams in Idukki have reached or are rearing capacity.
A red alert has been sounded for the dams under KSEB, including Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, Sholayar in Thrissur, Kundala and Kallarkutti in Idukki.
A red alert has also been issued for Chulliyar dam in Palakkad and Peechi dam in Thrissur, which are under the irrigation department.
Destruction of roads was reported in many places including in Kollam and Kottayam districts while severe waterlogging made life miserable in Kuttanad region, popularly known as the 'rice bowl' of the state spread in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.
Kerala has been experiencing intermittent heavy rains for weeks now due to the successive low-pressures that have formed in both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea.
Heavy rains are likely to continue across the state for at least a few more days.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of widespread heavy rains in the state due to the Low Pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea and issued a Red Alert for five districts in the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday issued an advisory that people have to be extremely cautious and under no circumstances should they ignore the warnings that are given.
"A 24 hour alert has to be observed and all those living close to water sources have to be very cautious and none should venture in the waters. Travel in the hilly areas or places where rains are occurring should be best avoided and areas prone to landslides have also to be watchful," said Vijayan.
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