THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains have been battering Kerala for the past 12 hours, leading to the opening of relief camps in Alappuzha and Idukki districts. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Idukki and Kannur districts. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has deployed seven teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the state to assist in relief efforts.
As a result of the relentless downpour, educational institutions in Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Kasaragod districts have been declared closed for the day. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has activated 24-hour taluk control rooms in all districts to provide assistance and support to affected residents.
In Kottayam, a house collapsed into the Meenachilar river due to the heavy rainfall. Fortunately, all the family members managed to escape unhurt. Meanwhile, the water levels in the Pamba river and Periyar river have risen, necessitating the relocation of people living near the riverbanks to camps in Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta.
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Transportation has also been severely affected by the heavy rains. Train services between Kollam and Punalur have been disrupted due to fallen trees blocking the tracks. Additionally, the National Highway project between Karuvatta and Kottayam is facing challenges due to flooding.
Chief Minister Vijayan has urged residents living in coastal areas to closely follow the instructions provided by authorities and, if necessary, temporarily relocate to safer zones. The IMD has predicted that heavy rains will continue to lash the state in the coming days.
The South West monsoon, which gained momentum only in the past week, holds immense significance for Kerala’s agricultural sector. The months from March to June have already witnessed crop losses worth 3.2 crores, affecting crops such as paddy, tapioca, coconut, and vegetables.
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Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains and provide necessary support to the affected residents. The government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala.