Rain intensifies in state again, Meenachil River overflows, red alert in two districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rain is intensifying in the state again. Extremely heavy rains are lashing the hilly areas of Ernakulam, Kottayam, Malappuram, Idukki and Kozhikode districts. Heavy rains have raised the water level in Meenachil River. There are heavy rains in Kavalapara from early morning. This is likely to disrupt search operations. 36 people are still to be found.

The Pampa river and the large stream at Ranni in Pathanamthitta was filled overnight. The rains that have been lashing the place from last evening raised the water level. There was only quarter water in Pampa river and streams yesterday. Water started entering Punalur-Muvattupuzha state highway. Transportation has been disrupted after water entered Pala-Erattupetta road again.

A holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in two more districts. The district collectors announced holiday for Pathanamthitta and Kasargod districts. The collectors had announced holiday for nine districts-Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kannur, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Idukki yesterday. Red alert has been sounded in Malappuram and Kozhikode and orange alert in six districts. The weather department has informed that rains will lessen after August 17.