Heavy Rains Lash Kerala: Red Alert in Three Districts, Widespread Damage Reported

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is currently witnessing intense rainfall, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue Red Alerts in Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts. Additionally, Orange Alerts have been declared in eight districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rains and strong winds across the state, along with rising river water levels that may lead to flash floods in several areas.

Rainfall Alerts by Day:

• Yellow Alert

• Saturday: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha
  
  
• Sunday: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
  
  
• Monday: Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
  
  
• Tuesday: Kannur, Kasaragod
  
  
• Wednesday: Kannur, Kasaragod

The state Water Resources Department (IDRB) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) have issued flood warnings due to alarming water levels in several rivers. Orange and Yellow Alerts have been issued for specific river basins. Residents along the banks have been advised to remain on high alert.

River Alert Zones:

• Thiruvananthapuram: Vamanapuram (Mailammoodu Station)
  
  
• Kollam: Pallikkal (Anayadi Station)
  
  
• Alappuzha: Achankovil (Nalukettukavala Station)
  
  
• Pathanamthitta: Pamba (Aranmula Station), Achankovil (Pandalam), Manimala (Kallooppara-CWC), Pamba (Madamon-CWC)
  
  
• Idukki: Thodupuzha (Manakkad-CWC)
  
  
• Thrissur: Chalakudy (Vettillapara Station)
  
  
• Kannur: Valapattanam (Ayyappankavu & Anungot Stations)
  
  
• Wayanad: Kabani (Bavali Station)

Authorities have strongly urged the public to avoid entering or crossing rivers under any circumstances. Those living near riverbanks must be prepared to evacuate, in accordance with official directives.

Widespread Damage Across the State:

Heavy rains and gusty winds have led to extensive destruction in several districts:

• Kannur: A man died after a tree fell on his house.
  
  
• Thamarassery (Kozhikode): Flash floods triggered by landslides.
  
  
• Alappuzha: A tree fell on the railway track, disrupting train services.
  
  
• Nenmara & Thrissur: Homes damaged due to intense rain.
  
  
• Kasaragod: A moving bus was struck by a falling tree in Konakkad.
  
  
• Idukki: Landslides reported on hilly roads.
  
  
• Kollam (Sasthamkotta): A shop collapsed into a landslide. Luckily, no casualties were reported.

In Punalur, a massive tree toppled onto a truck on the Muvattupuzha national highway near Alimukku, damaging power lines and causing traffic disruption. Widespread damage was also reported in Pathanapuram and Piravanthur, where several electric poles collapsed, cutting off power supply.

Eastern Kollam experienced significant rain-related damages, and the shutters of Thenmala’s Parappar Dam were raised by 5 cm each to manage rising water levels, with further increases expected.

Northern Kerala Sees Intense Impact:

• Kozhikode (Katippara): Landslides and soil erosion affected homes in low-lying areas.
  
  
• Valangatt & Kodenchery (Wayanad): Lightning whirlwinds caused destruction, and transportation was disrupted after fallen trees blocked key routes.
  
  
• Iringalakuda (Thrissur): Roofs were blown off and trees uprooted in a lightning storm.
  
  
• Idukki: Landslides blocked several key roads, including Neriamangalam, Thekkady-Munnar, and Nedumkandam-Kambam highways.
  
  
• Deviyar River overflowed its banks, submerging roads leading to tribal settlements.
  
  
• Peechi Dam shutters were raised in phases, with the current opening expected to increase from 8 inches to 12 inches due to rising inflow.

The IMD confirmed the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify, contributing to persistent rainfall in the coming days. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to high wind speeds and rough conditions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with rescue and relief operations underway in the affected regions. The public is urged to remain cautious and follow official advisories at all times.