Fisherman goes missing in Shankumugham Beach; IMD predicts strong rain today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the arrival of the monsoon almost confirmed, the IMD predicted heavy rainfall in the state on Saturday. A yellow alert has been declared in Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. The Meteorological Department has also advised the people to be extremely cautious as heavy rains are likely in hilly regions of the state.

Meanwhile, fishing has been banned on the Kerala coast due to the possibility of high waves. A cyclone also exists in the South-Eastern Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala. Rain continues as a result of this influence.

Meanwhile in Shankumugham Beach, a boat overturned in the rough sea and one fisherman went missing. Mahesh, a resident near the beach went missing while Vincent, another fisherman who was accompanying Mahesh survived the scare. The search for Mahesh is ongoing.

Idukki witnessed heavy rains on Friday and many residents were shifted from Velliyamattom panchayat after landslides in these areas. Two relief camps have also been opened in the area. The camps are running at Pannimattom LP School and Velliyamattom Higher Secondary School. Four families were relocated here.

The district administration has also warned people staying near the river and streams in Muvattupuzha to practice caution. In Thodupuzha there were landslides and flash floods following the heavy rains of the previous day. One man who was trapped in the landslides that occurred in Karippalangad was rescued. Traffic on the Thodupuzha - Puliyanmala state highway was disrupted due to landslides. Minister Roshy Augustine visited the area.

Meanwhile, rain abated a little in Kottayam on Friday. The most rain in the district was recorded in Vadavathoor. With the water level rising in both Manimala River and Meencahil, the district administration issued a special warning to people living on the banks of the river.