One person has tragically died as heavy rainfall and flooding continue to cause havoc across various districts in Kerala. The Northeast Monsoon has intensified, leading to significant waterlogging, especially in the Idukki district. The situation has prompted authorities to place six districts on alert.
The deceased has been identified as 66-year-old Parappallil Thomas. He lost his life late Saturday night when his two-wheeler skidded and fell into mud near Vellaramkunnu in Idukki. He was reportedly on his way home after closing his shop.
The popular tourist destination of Kumily, near Thekkady, has been severely affected, experiencing heavy waterlogging. This has resulted in dislodged power lines, flooded roads, vehicles being swept away, and homes inundated. Consequently, the district administration has suspended all tourist activities in the area due to the hazardous conditions.
While six districts were on orange alert on Sunday, the situation has slightly improved with only Ernakulam and Idukki remaining on the alert list for Monday. Other districts, except Kannur and Kasaragod, have received yellow alerts, indicating expectations of moderate rainfall in the coming 24 hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted a ‘well-marked low-pressure area’ over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep. This system is projected to move west-northwestwards and could intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours.
In response to the ongoing situation, the IMD has advised local administrations to be prepared to evacuate residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations, depending on the issued alerts.
The Mullaperiyar dam, managed by the Tamil Nadu government, has opened its shutters following heavy rainfall in its catchment areas, aiming to manage reservoir water levels. Residents living near the river and streams flowing from the dam have been urged to relocate to higher ground.
In addition to Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur districts also reported heavy rainfall on Sunday. Malappuram district, in particular, has seen several agricultural lands damaged due to the floods.