Kerala Rains Persist, Hundreds Remain in Relief Camps As Floods Recede Slowly
Floodwaters were receding only marginally in some areas and several residents remained stranded or affected as their houses and roads were still underwater
Thiruvananthapuram: Rains continued in several parts of Kerala on Saturday, with floodwaters receding only gradually in many areas and hundreds of people still staying in relief camps as several roads and houses remained inundated.
The Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha and interior areas of Kottayam district continued to bear the brunt of the flooding, though water levels had started receding at several places, officials said.
Floodwaters were receding only marginally in some areas and several residents remained stranded or affected as their houses and roads were still underwater.
Major roads, including the Alappuzha-Changanassery road, remained inundated, disrupting traffic in the region. Small boats were being used to ferry people and shift essential belongings from waterlogged areas.
With the flood situation yet to normalise completely, hundreds of people continued to stay in relief camps in several south and central districts.
In coastal areas, high waves, sea incursion and strong winds kept fishermen off the sea.
Sea conditions remained particularly rough at Uduma in Kasaragod, where several coconut trees were uprooted amid the strong winds and rough weather.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast moderate rainfall accompanied by winds reaching up to 30 kmph at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts in the morning.
Light rainfall is likely at isolated places in the remaining districts, the IMD said.
For Sunday, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
An orange alert refers to very heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm.
In view of the prevailing rains, holidays were declared for all educational institutions in eight districts -- Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha -- on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
The holiday applies to all educational institutions, from anganwadis to professional colleges, authorities said.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said strong winds were among the state's most destructive weather-related hazards, often causing damage by uprooting trees and snapping branches.
It advised people not to take shelter under trees or park vehicles beneath them during strong winds and rain.
Residents were also advised to prune weak branches around their homes and report dangerous trees in public places to local authorities.
People were asked to keep doors and windows closed once strong winds begin, avoid standing near them and refrain from staying on terraces.
Those living in houses with thatched roofs, sheet roofing or other structurally weak buildings were advised to move to safer shelters or relief camps if directed by authorities.
Local self-government institutions, revenue officials and elected representatives have been asked to facilitate the evacuation of vulnerable residents to relief camps wherever necessary.
