THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Army has put on high alert after torrential rains lashed through northern Kerala and the hilly Idukki districts. Rain havoc and series of landslides have so far killed at least 29 people, and more than 10,000 people have been shifted to 500 relief camps across the region. The army, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations in affected areas in Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts. Multiple buildings too have collapsed due to heavy water logging, leaving over 54,000 people homeless. The army's southern command was put on alert after water level in Periyar river rose amid concerns that parts of Wellingdon Island in Kochi could be completely inundated.
Sources of the State Disaster Control Room said 25 of the death toll were due to landslide in Idukki and Malappuram. While five in Idukki's Adimali town lost their lives, Wayanad accounted for three deaths and Kannur, Ernakulam and Palakkad for two each. The Kerala State Electricity Board too has issued a red alert, as shutters of the Idukki dam were opened. The largest arch dam in Asia, all five shutters were opened after 26 years as the water level inched close to full capacity. Water level touched 2401.60 feet last week, against the full reservoir level of 2403 feet, prompting authorities to issue the alert.
This was the first time in the history of Kerala that 24 dams were opened as several rivers were flooded due to continuous downpour. Water level had crossed the maximum storage capacity of reservoirs of 24 out of the state's 58 dams, forcing officials to release the water by opening the dam shutters, including those of the Idukki reservoir. Over four red alerts have been issued so far, the latest being for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Palakkad till August 11, Idukki till August 13, and Wayanad till August 14. Five columns of the army have been deployed in the state's seven severely-hit northern districts, out of 14, to help evacuate people, and build makeshift bridges.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan personally reviewed the flood situation and relief works being undertaken by the army, navy, air force, coast guard and the NDRF. He tweeted, “Twenty four dams have been opened so far which is unprecedented and is telling of the seriousness of the situation. People living in downstream areas of these dams must be cautious.” He has cancelled all public functions till August 12 and will personally monitor the situation from the state capital.
Heavy rains even disrupted landing operations at the international airport in Kochi, for two hours as officials feared a flood situation due to the rising water level in the river Periyar. Schools and colleges will remain closed in various districts of the state. The annual Nehru boat race in Alappuzha has also been postponed due to heavy shower forecast. Tourists are currently restricted from visiting high range areas and dam sites in the state.
Over 50 tourists, including 20 foreigners from Russia, United States, Saudi Arabia and Oman, who were stranded at a resort in the popular hill station Munnar, have been rescued. They were stranded after roads leading to their resort at Pallivasal was damaged in landslides after heavy rains.
