Quarries closed; tourism banned; widespread damages in heavy rains in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: There are widespread damage in the hilly areas following the heavy rains that have been lashing the state for the past few days. Low-lying areas in various districts have been submerged. Traffic was disrupted at Thamarassery Pass after rocks fell on the road below the ninth bend. Fire force has arrived and are trying to remove the rocks. A tree fell on the road at the fourth bend. Pass protection workers arrived and cut down the tree. Paddy fields in many places in Palakkad have been submerged.

Heavy rains continue in Kozhikode and the hilly areas of the state. Heavy rains have flooded low-lying areas in Chalakudy. The Chalakudy underpass has been flooded. Night travel via the Munnar Gap Road has been banned. Mining activities in Idukki have also been banned. Restrictions have also been imposed on outside work in the plantation area. Tourists’ entry to tourist destinations in Nelliyampathy, Palakkad has also been temporarily suspended. The locals in Attappadi have been struggling without electricity for the last two days. It has been raining heavily in Malappuram since Sunday morning. Sea erosion is also severe in the coastal areas.

Meantime, the flow of water in the Makkimala river in Wayanad is very strong following the heavy rain. It is reported that all the low-lying areas have been flooded. The river is overflowing with muddy water. The authorities have informed that they are checking whether there has been a landslide. The authorities have also warned the locals to be vigilant.

Following heavy rains, the operation of resorts and home stays has been banned in nine panchayats in Mananthavady and Vythiri taluks. A 24-hour control room has been opened in Thavinjal grama panchayat. The possibility of extremely heavy rain has been predicted in isolated places. The IMD defines extremely heavy rain as rain falling between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours.