Unabated rains hit Sabarimala; special warning to pilgrims, more restrictions in place

PATHANAMTHITTA: Pilgrims have been warned as rain continues unabated in Sabarimala. The rain that started on Saturday evening continued till Sunday night. A yellow alert has been issued for Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal due to the possibility of rain of two centimetres per hour and a wind speed of 40 kmph.

The joint forces have established a special surveillance in Charalmedu region, that witnessed a landslide in 2011. Vehicles are being stopped at major hubs like Nilakkal, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Erumeli.

Parking restrictions were imposed on Sunday afternoon in some parts of Pamba, which have had security problems in previous years. If the water level in the Pampa River rises, the vehicles in this area will be shifted to the Nilakkal base camp. Security officials have informed vehicle drivers to stay inside and not roam around the premises. There is also a restriction on the Pamba bus stand. Strict restrictions will also be imposed on the Pulmedu-Sabarimala forest path.

The route from Pamba to Sannidhanam is prone to landslides and flash floods, so pilgrims are warned to take special care while descending the hills.