The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alert for nine Kerala districts, predicting extreme rain in next 24 hours. Districts on alert: Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode,Malappuram,Thrissur,Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta. Five more districts face an orange alert for very heavy rainfall today.
As rains batter state,Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan is in constant touch with key officials, coordinating disaster responses. Revenue Minister A.P . Anilkumar called a meeting with District Collectors at 11 a.m. NDRF and police are on standby .
In Wayanad, where rain is relentless, District Collector D.R. Meghashree urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on the ghat road to Kozhikode. Vythiri and Lakkidi received heavy rain,restricting heavy vehicles and tourists.
Water Resources Department raised alerts for rivers like Muvattupuzha, Kallada, and Pampa, warning residents not to cross or swim in them. Those near riverbanks should stay alert and evacuate if asked.
Expect moderate to intense rain with gusty winds up to 50 km/h in Idukki,Palakkad, Malappuram,Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur,and Kasaragod in next three hours. Kerala Disaster Management Authority warns of potential road waterlogging,low visibility,and floods in low areas.
In Palakkad, Mangalam dam's spillway shutters opened 5 cm Saturday morning to manage rising water levels, which stand at 77.57 meters, just shy of the full level of 77.88 meters, to prevent overflow.
Flooding reported in places like Thrissur, where streets such as Post Office Road are submerged. Locals blame poor drainage for worsening floods in commercial zones.
Tragedy hit Idukki early Saturday; landslide in Thodupuzha killed one and injured two . Happened around 2:00 a.m.,burying Mashikkalel Ravi Narayanan's home. Schools declared holiday due to rains.
In Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, downpour triggered landslips and flash floods,damaging infrastructure and farmland. Josephin Johny Manappatt died when landslide buried her home in Payanithodu. Two others are missing as rescue continues.
Situation evolving,authorities on high alert to lessen severe weather impact. IMD warnings and local responses show urgency of tackling these challenges.
