Order to stop operation of quarries; access to water bodies suspended; strict restrictions imposed in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: Order to stop operation of quarries in Kozhikode district. The District Collector, who is also the Chairman of the Disaster Management Authority, issued this order as heavy rains are continuing and a red alert has been issued. Apart from quarries, all types of earthmoving, mining, well construction activities and sand extraction have been strictly advised to stop.
Access to all water bodies including waterfalls, riverbanks and beaches in Kozhikode district has been suspended. A complete ban on entry to such places will be in effect until further notice. Officials also informed that non-emergency trips to hilly areas and pass areas where there is a threat of landslides should be avoided from 7 pm to 7 am.
A total of 854 people belonging to 196 families are living in 41 camps in Kozhikode district. Hundreds were shifted to relatives' homes. People in landslide-prone areas have been advised to evacuate. Due to heavy rains, water levels in Poonoor River, Mahé River, Kuttiyadi River, Chaliyar River and Cherupuzha River have reached danger levels.
Coastal residents are advised to be cautious. Strict restrictions have been imposed in Kozhikode district due to heavy rains. A ban has been imposed on tourist spots in the district. Unnecessary journeys via the Tamarassery Pass should be avoided.
One person has been reported missing in the landslide at Vilangad Malayangad in Vadakara taluk. A search is underway for him under the leadership of NDRF. A bridge at Malayangad was washed away in the landslide. Four houses on the banks of the river were partially destroyed. 15 families were stranded after the bridge collapsed. There are no reports of casualties in the area so far. People on the banks of the river have been relocated.