Kerala rains: Overnight rain swells rivers, heightens flood threat in central Travancore

Heavy rain that pounded central Travancore in Kerala through Sunday night caused the water levels in all major rivers across the region to rise sharply, triggering fresh flood fears in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

The Meenachil River rose by nearly three feet overnight, while the Pampa and Manimala rivers continued to swell following incessant rain. The Pampa once again breached its banks at Aranmula, prompting the authorities to evacuate more residents stranded in inundated houses. Officials have warned of the possibility of flash floods across the Pampa basin as the river continues to rise.

A red alert has been issued for the Moozhiyar dam on the Pampa. One of the dam’s shutters has been raised by 15 cm to regulate the inflow, and residents living along the Kakkiyar and Pampa rivers have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering the rivers.

In Kottayam district, the rising Meenachil River has led to waterlogging at several stretches along the Kottayam-Kumarakom-Vaikom road. Floodwaters have entered houses in Thiruvarppu, Kumarakom, Aymanam, Arpookkara, Kummanam, Thazhathangady and Nattassery.

Pathanamthitta district continues to face a critical situation, with the Upper Kuttanad region continues to grapple a severe flood situation. Conditions along the banks of the Pampa remain alarming. Additional fishing boats have been deployed from Kollam to strengthen rescue operations, while pilgrims will not be allowed to proceed to Sabarimala on Monday.

The full reservoir level of the Moozhiyar dam is 192.10 metres, and the water level has already crossed 191 metres. Authorities have warned that additional shutters may have to be opened if inflows continue to rise. Heavy rain has also triggered soil erosion at several locations along the Pampa riverbank, while incessant rainfall continues in the forest catchment areas. Water levels in the Muvattupuzha River have crossed the warning mark, prompting authorities to alert people living along the riverbanks to remain on high alert.

In Alappuzha district, Muttar grama panchayat in Edathua has been cut off after all approach roads were inundated. There are growing calls for the immediate evacuation of stranded residents to safer locations.