Kochi: The state has been receiving a good spell of south-west monsoon since Friday leading to an increase in the water levels in the rivers forcing the authorities to open the shutters of a few dams.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared red alert in Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts and predicted very heavy rains.
The IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rains in the next three days and placed most districts under yellow, orange and red alerts. The coastal areas witnessed rough seas eating away the shores in many places. A total of seven fishermen have gone missing-- four at Vizhinjan in Thiruvanathapuram and three in Kollam. The three from Kollam went missing when a boat, Sagara-matha, capsized in the sea. Two others swam to safety. The boat was swept ashore near the Kollam harbour. The help of the Navy has been sought for tracing the missing fishermen.
The coastal village of Chellanam in Kochi is reeling under sea erosion. The waves damaged nearly 100 houses in Companypadi Bazar and Maruvakakd areas and residents are up in arms against the authorities for their failure in completing the sea wall before the monsoon.
The Pampa river inundated many low-lying areas in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts. One shutter of Pampa dam was opened and 15 cumecs of water is being released from the dam. Several places in Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts witnessed landslips. In Thiruvalla, a person engaged in fishing went missing in strong currents. The district authorities in Pathanamthitta have opened 24-hour control rooms in seven taluks.
Pala town was under flood threat due to the rising Meenachil river while water was also rising in Muvattpuzha. The authorities alerted the people living on the river banks in Thodupuzha about the possibility of opening the shutters of Malankara dam.
Heavy rains lashed Malabar region from Thursday night forcing the shifting of several families to relief camps as low-lying areas were inundated. In Kozhikode district, 18 people from five families were rehabilitated at Nallalam area, officials said. Control rooms have been opened at all four taluk stations. In Kannur district, over 30 houses were partially inundated in flood waters and the inmates were rehabilitated. A house under construction collapsed in the rains. Kasargod district administration declared red alert and announced a holiday for all schools on Saturday.
