Kochi: Heavy rains continue unabated in the district with shutters of Malankara, Bhoothathankettu and Poringalkuthu dams remain opened. Water level in Periyar and Muvattupuzha rivers increased and warning has been issued to residents along the banks of rivers.
A youth, Ranish aged 27 from Amaravathy went missing in the sea at Kamalakkadavu in Fort Kochi. Though a search was conducted, it could not be continued due to strong currents.
IMD has issued orange alert for Ernakulam on Sunday and yellow alert for Monday and Tuesday.
Kochi airport received highest amount of rainfall on Saturday with 122.9 millimetres. Perumbavoor received 92 mm rainfall while Aluva got 82 mm of rains. Though rains gained strength in last couple of days, Ernakulam has 35 per cent deficiency of rainfall from June 1 to July 20.
Learning a lesson from last year's floods, the State Disaster Management Authority has activated the flood response system even before the onset of monsoon and spelled out roles and responsibilities of each department.
Sources at district administration said that all necessary arrangements have been made to face any emergency situation.
"There is no need to panic as the situation is under control with no alarming increase in river water level. 24-hour control rooms have been opened and village officers have been asked to take necessary measures. Camps have been identified for opening relief centres, if required," said sources.
The coastal areas are expected to receive heavy winds at a speed of 40 to 50 km per hour. Fishermen have been given warning against venturing into the sea.
Meanwhile, coastal erosion reduced along the coastal areas like Chellanam, where mighty waves destructed several houses on Friday.
