Heavy rains continue in state; trains delayed, three die, normal life cripples

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three deaths were reported on Friday as very heavy rains continued across the state. A youth who went fishing at Punnapra in Alappuzha fell into a waterlogged area and died. A woman died after a tree fell in Ernakulam’s Thirumarady. One died after a boat capsized in Vizhinjam. Two were washed away by the current at Kalikavu in Malappuram and Cherai in Ernakulam. Huge trees have been uprooted in heavy rains and strong winds, causing widespread damage in various districts. As the water level in the rivers has risen, waterlogging has formed in low-lying areas, making public life miserable.

Low-lying areas in Alappuzha are flooded. Water has entered paddy fields and houses. Waterlogging has also formed in the western part of Kottayam. Water levels have risen in the Manimala, Meenachil and Muvattupuzha rivers. The causeways in Pathanamthitta have been submerged as the water level in the Pampa River has risen. The Manimalayar river in Pathanamthitta has overflowed its banks and flooded houses in Thirumoolapuram, Mangalassery and Attumali areas near Thiruvalla. With this, the local residents have been shifted to relief camps.

Railway traffic has also been disrupted due to heavy rains. Several trains are running late after a tree fell on the track near Mangaluru Central. Long-distance trains, including the Vande Bharat to Kerala, are running late. The tree fell between Mangaluru and Netravati cabin, blocking traffic. The railways have informed that the tree has been cut down and removed and that train traffic is currently progressing smoothly on this route.

The railways have officially informed that some trains operating long-distance services have been diverted. The 16649 - Parasuram Express, which was delayed by three hours, has been diverted via Netravati cabin station. The 20631 - Mangaluru Central - Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express, which was delayed by one and a half hours, was diverted via Netravati Cabin Station.

As heavy rains continue, various parts of the state are in danger of landslides. Meanwhile, a landslide occurred on the Kottiyoor-Palchuram road in Kannur. Authorities have informed that a cautionary advisory has been issued to passengers passing through this route. The landslide occurred between Chattanchal and Cherkala in Kasaragod, where construction is in progress on the National Highway. Traffic through this route has been banned. Those traveling through this route were diverted via the Kanhangad Chandragiri Bridge. Meanwhile, it is reported that the National Highway, which was damaged in Kooriyad due to heavy rains, is becoming more dangerous. Landslides have occurred again at various places on the National Highway.