Heavy rain and fog, devotees will not be allowed to enter Sabarimala today via Sathram-Pullumedu route

IDUKKI: As the way has been closed due to heavy rain and fog, Ayyappa devotees will not be able to go via Sathra-Pullumedu route. The authorities said that devotees will not be allowed to travel through this route today. A red alert was issued in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta late yesterday due to heavy rain. Earlier, a red alert was issued in four districts as a warning of very heavy rain. A red alert was issued in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.

The situation in Sabarimala, which started on Saturday evening and continued till Sunday evening, was bad. A yellow alert was issued in Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal as there is a possibility of two centimeters of rain per hour and winds of 40 kilometers per hour. The joint forces have set up special surveillance in Charalmedu, which was affected by the 2011 mountain flood.

Vehicles are being blocked at major junctions such as Nilakkal, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Erumeli. Parking restrictions were imposed in some parts of Pampa, which have been a safety concern in previous years, after noon yesterday. If the water level in the Pampa River rises, vehicles in this area will be shifted to the Nilakkal base camp. Security officials have informed that drivers should stay in their vehicles. Bathing in Pampa is also restricted.

There is a possibility of landslides and flash floods on the road from Pampa to Sannidhanam, so there are restrictions on ascending and descending the mountain. Control rooms are also set up at various centers. There was a drop in the number of pilgrims yesterday due to rain and fog.