Heavy Rains Trigger Mudslides, Damage NH Protection Wall in Kannur

Kannur: Heavy rains lashed parts of northern Kannur district on Tuesday, causing mudslides, damage to a National Highway protection wall and traffic disruptions in some areas, district authorities said.

A mudslide occurred at the National Highway construction site in Elayavoor in the morning after the protection wall collapsed. The site had witnessed a major mudslide three years ago, local people said.

State Power Minister Sunny Joseph, MLA TO Mohanan and District Collector PVishnuraj visited the site in the morning.

The collector sought an urgent report from National Highway Authority officials on the incident, district authorities said.

At around 9 am, a major mudslide near Chekuthan Thodu at Palchuram here disrupted traffic.

The collector directed authorities to take steps to clear the mud and rocks from the affected stretch.

Police, Fire and Rescue Services personnel and revenue officials reached the spot. As heavy rains continued, authorities warned of the possibility of further mudslips and urged people to remain vigilant.

The district collector also advised visitors and vehicles not required for official purposes not to proceed to the affected area, authorities added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in 11 districts of Kerala on Tuesday, warning of the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall, according to the weather department.

The alert is in force in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts on August 25.

For August 26, a yellow alert has been issued in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts.

The IMD defines rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours as heavy rainfall.