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38 relief camps opened, 525 families evacuated in Kochi

The swollen River Periyar has inundated several houses and agricultural areas causing widespread damage.

Kochi: As their houses submerged in floods due to opening of Idamalayar and Cheruthoni dam shutters, as many as 525 families including 2,301 inmates were shifted to 38 relief camps in the district. Camps have been opened in Aluva, Paravur, Kunnathunadu and Kanayannur taluks. The swollen River Periyar has inundated several houses and agricultural areas causing widespread damage.

Many areas and small islands near Aluva, Kalady, Perumbavoor, Kalamassery, Eloor, Muttar, Pathalam, Paravur and Puthanvelikara were inundated.

The camp opened at St. Sebastian’s High School, Kanjoor in Aluva taluk has the highest number of inmates.

District collector Muhammad Y. Safirulla visited flood-hit areas in Aluva Manappuram, Chowara, Chengal thodu, Chelamattom, Kalady and Perumbavoor in the morning. In the afternoon, he toured Varapuzha, Kuttikkatuukara, Methanam, and Purappillikavu.

“Food, medicine and other necessary facilities have been ensured for inmates of relief camps. Each camp has been provided with the service of a medical officer. More camps will be opened, if needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hibi Eden, MLA, visited the flood-hit areas in Cheranalloor panchayat. He visited the relief camp at Government School, Edappally North where 40 families have been provided shelter. “Necessary measures have been taken to address any situation if the flood situation worsens,” he said.

Revenue officials, PHC medical officer in charge Dr. Sreerekha and panchayat members were also with the MLA.

Though monsoon has abated in the district, heavy spells in the upper catchment areas of dams resulted in opening of the dam shutters and sharp
rise in the level of river water.

Kochi’s drinking water supply hit

Drinking water supply from Kerala Water Authority’s Aluva pump house has been disrupted due to high turbidity level in River Periyar. KWA has to reduce supply from the pump house by one third of the normal quantity.

Though the intake well in River Periyar has not been submerged, functioning of the transformers will be affected if the water level rises by another 1.5 metres.

“The swollen river and high level of slush in water has affected normal functioning of

the plant. On Thursday, turbidity level in river water has been 400 ntu (nephelometric turbidity units) , much higher than the permissible level. On Wednesday, turbidity level was only 20 ntu,” said Anil Augustine, assistant executive engineer, KWA pump house.

Opening of Idamalayar dam on Thursday resulted in sudden increase in level of slush and discolouration of the river. “The normal supply from Aluva is 250 to 290 MLD to greater Kochi areas. At present we are able to pump nearly 150 MLD. But pumping to Kochi Corporation areas has been hit while suburbs are getting water on reduced pressure. We have been constantly monitoring the situation and if water level rises further, pumping has to be stopped completely,” added the official. Intake well of the pump house will be submerged only if water level rises by three metres.

Meanwhile, City Corporation has taken measures to supply potable water through tankers in affected areas. “Discussions were held with KWA officials and it has been decided to draw water from Maradu plant to be supplied in city areas,” said Mayor Soumini Jain. Maradu plant uses water brought from Pazhur Kadavu in Muvattupuzha River.

“However, supply from Maradu plant will be hit if water level increases further in Muvattupuzha River. In any situation, the Corporation will take all possible measures to ensure sufficient water supply in city areas,” added Ms. Soumini Jain.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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