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 Troubling memories of 2018 floods returned to haunt Kerala as heavy rainfall lashed central and northern districts

Troubling memories of 2018 floods returned to haunt Kerala as heavy rainfall lashed central and northern districts, claiming at least 10 lives, triggering landslips and inundating large swathes of low-lying regions.

At least 30 estate workers were feared missing in a massive landslip at Puthumala, near Meppadi in Wayanad.

Kerala State IT mission helpline number: 0471-155300.

Here are the latest updates:

Power cuts add to the woes

Disrupted power supply continuous to be a challenge for the quick rescue operations in Kozhikode’s flood hit villages. Many are finding it hard to contact the authorities through the official emergency helplines. Poor mobile phone network too has worsened the crisis in remote villages. Some of the local panchayats are now considering the possibility of public microphone announcements to keep their citizens alert of the situations.

Major landslip suspected at Malappuram, many feared missing

An number of persons have been reported missing in a major landslip at Kavalappara in Malappuram district, according to State police in Thiruvananthapuram.

The police said they were rushing Fire and Rescue Service units and NDRF teams to the spot.

"We are requisitioning earthmovers, cutters and cranes from local sources. Also, an Army mechanical unit is coming from Bhopal, which will give technical assistance in this matter," a top official told The Hindu.

Attempts by local rescue workers to contact the missing persons on mobile have come to nought, they said. A senior official said preliminary reports from the ground suggested that the suspected mishap had reportedly occurred late on Thursday.

Local MLA P.V. Anwar, who visited the spot, told a television channel that the "mud slip appeared to have swallowed" many houses situated on the hillside. Attempts to contact Mr. Anwar on phone yielded no result.

Officers here said the locality remained cut off from the rest of the district.

Kozhikode’s Kakkayam dam shutters to be opened

Shutters of Kakkayam dam in Kozhikode will be opened shortly.

Water level is likely to rise in the Kuttiyadi river, and families in the area have been asked to relocate to safer locations.

Kozhikode District Collector, in a message on Facebook, said that the dam’s shutters might be open upto 3 feet (approx 91cm) - currently, the opening stands at 45 cm. "Panchayat authorities have been asked to relocate the families living along the river as there is a chance of water level rising," said the Collector.

4 bodies recovered from Vilangad landslip

The bodies of four persons who were killed in a major landslide at Vilangad near Vadakara in Kozhikode district have been recovered by the rescue operators.

The victims were identified as Lissy Dasan (48), Kuttikkattil Benny (55), his wife Marykkutty (53), and son Athul Benny (21).

The incident took place around 2 a.m. on Friday. Three houses were buried under soil. One of the residents had a narrow escape and was admitted to a government hospital in Vadakara.

Rescue squads have been asked to stay alert at Vilangad considering the possibility of multiple landslips in the region. Entry of visitors will be strictly controlled in the area. Disaster management authorities are now busy with evacuating families from vulnerable areas.

Officials said the area was still remaining prone to landslips with the continuous raining.

Navy agrees to open its naval base for civil flights

In response to a request from the State government, the Navy has agreed to open its air station INS Garuda at the naval base for operation of civil flights.

"While we have expressed our readiness, the DGCA has to assess the situation and see for how long this would be required. If it is just for a day or so, it doesn’t make sense to put in place all the necessary systems, including the baggage screening machines, check-in counters and the like. But the ball is in their court now," said a senior officer.

A commercial flight on its way to land at the naval airbase INS Garuda in Kochi in August 2018.   | Photo Credit: PTI

Meanwhile, efforts are under way at the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery to dewater the flooded runway. Flight operations from the airport have remained suspended since yesterday night, until Sunday evening unless it gets extended further.

The airport had remained closed for 15 days during the floods of August, 2018.

Police coordinate with fishers for rescue operations in Kozhikode

Disaster management authorities in Kozhikode district have started evacuating residents along the Kuttiyadi and Chaliyar rivers following an alarming rise in the water level.

Officials said families settled near Maniyur, Velam, Kayakkodi, Chakkittappara, Changaroth, Koothali, Perambra, Cheruvannur, Thiruvallur and Maruthongara will be in the first in line to be moved to the safer locations. Evacuation of people from flood-hit areas at Kodiyathur, Chathamangalam and Mukkom too is in progress with the support of fire and rescue service personnel.

Boat owners and fishermen from Beypore coast have offered their full support to the Kozhikode district-level disaster management authority for coordinating emergency rescue operations.

The local police are coordinating with the fishers to arrange the required number of boats and fishers to support the rescue activities. Three boats with fishers have already left the spot for helping rescue squads.

Boat owners’ association leaders said they would be preparing more number of boats in view of emergency situations. "Some of the fishing boats along the coast had been damaged in high tide, but, we would be cooperating with all the rescue needs," leaders said.

Water levels in most Kuttanad rivers rising

Water levels are rising in most of the rivers in Kuttanad in Kerala’s Alappuzha district on Friday.

The water level went up by at least 20 cm in several parts of the region following heavy downpour in neighbouring districts and an increase in flow of water. Floodwaters have entered Chakkulathukavu temple and a number of houses in Muttar, Chakkulathukavu and Thalavady.

Authorities have urged the people living near the river banks to exercise caution. Officials said that they were keeping a close watch on water levels in various rivers in Kuttanad, said an official.

Update from Kozhikode:

Entry of heavy vehicles to the Thamarassery pass has been temporarily blocked following heavy rains.

Several passengers are stranded at Kozhikode railway station following the cancellation of train services. Rail traffic between Shoranur and Kozhikode has been suspended due to landslip at Karakkad and Chaliyar flowing over danger level at Kallayi Feroke.

Voluntary organisation members are in action to care the elderly ones.

Kozhikode District Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao has issued a fresh directive to the Revenue Department authorities to evacuate people residing along the Kuttiyadi river.

IAF ready to begin operations in Kerala

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is prepared to commence flood-related operations in Kerala any time now, according to top police officials.

The initial phase of the operations will reportedly focus on airlifting paramedics, communication and rescue equipment to Wayanad.

The helicopter sorties are likely to commence initially from the Naval airbase in Kochi

2,300 flood-hit people in Ernakulam shifted to relief camps

Over 2,300 flood-hit people in Ernakulam were shifted to nearly 72 relief camps as on Friday noon. 

The most affected regions in Ernakualm include Aluva, Kothamangalam, Kunnathunad, Muvattupuzha and North Paravur. Many houses located near the Periyar were inundated by Wednesday night. 

Hundreds of families moved their cars and two-wheelers to safer places, fearing that the flood situation may turn worse in the next 24 hours. Twenty camps were opened in various schools and other secure locations under the Aluva taluk. Eighteen relief camps were opened under the North Paravur taluk while those affected in Kothamangalam and Kunnathunad taluks were shifted to seven each camps respectively.

Arrangements in place to tackle any emergency, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

The death toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala touched 22 on August 9, even as several northern districts continued to experience heavy downpour, forcing district administrations to evacuate more people to the relief camps.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chairing the review meeting in Secretariat.   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Heavy rainfall was likely to continue for the next 24 hours, especially in the high ranges of north Kerala districts, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said after a high-level meeting that reviewed the situation. Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad were experiencing extremely heavy rainfall, he said.

While rainfall was likely to reduce in intensity by Sunday, there was a possibility that it could strengthen again by August 15, the Chief Minister said.

Landslides and landslips have been reported in 24 places so far, and high ranges continue to face this threat. “Special attention is being given to landslide-prone localities. Rescue efforts are being concentrated in such places,’’ he said.

“Arrangements are in place to tackle any emergency that may arise,’’ Mr. Vijayan said.

Over 3,000 people in relief camps in Kannur

A total of 3,103 people are presently in relief camps that have been opened in different parts of the district since August 8 to move the people affected by flooding.

Residents being shifted from flooded areas at Pamburuthi, a small river island in Kannur on Friday   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Officials here said that 1,958 people belonging to 476 families are in 16 camps opened in the Iritty taluk which was worst hit by the torrential rain and overflowing rivers. Nine camps opened in the Taliparamba taluk have 649 people from 129 families. Eight camps have been opened in the Kannur taluk, 294 people from 66 families are staying in those camps. In the Thalassery taluk, 202 people from 50 families have been shifted to five camps.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race postponed

The 67th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, scheduled to be held on Saturday, has been postponed. New date has not been decided.

Glimpses from the Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. File Photo. ṭ  

The boat race, to be held on Punnamada Lake, was to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. A total of 79 boats, including 23 snakeboats, were to participate in this year’s Nehru trophy.

Landslips hamper rescue efforts in Malappuram

Landslips took place at several places on the Nadugani Ghat Road at the border region of Vazhikkadavu in Malappuram district. Two persons are missing, and efforts are on to trace them.

A large number of vehicles are trapped on the Ghat Road between Gudalur and Vazhikkadavu. Heaps of mud and boulders and uprooted trees are creating road blocks and hampering rescue efforts.

Flood alert in Chalakudy, Thrissur

Thrissur District Administration on Friday issued a flood alert in Chalakudy.

The authorities cautioned people on both sides of Chalakudy river of chances of further increase in water level. Shutters of Poringalkuthu dam have been opened. There are reports that excess water is flowing to Chalakudy river due to problems in the Parambikkulam-Aliyar canal.

In all, 536 people have been rehabilitated to relief camps in the district. Water logging is severe in many areas and traffic and power supply have been disrupted in many places since Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the website, www.keralarescue.in, launched during last year’s floods, is up again and can be used to co-ordinate and streamline rescue operations.

4 bodies recovered from landslip debris in Wayanad district

Some of the about 200 people who fled from the Puthumala landslip to the nearby forest office at Mundakkayam near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district has been evacuated by rescue workers even as four bodies have been recovered from the debris of the landslip that struck the hilly plantation area on Thursday afternoon.

The district recorded 250-300 mm rainfall over the past day.

At least six people have so far been killed in the landslips at Muttil and Puthumala, authorities said.

Over 1,750 shifted to relief camps in Ernakulam

Relentless rain on Friday continued to pound the low-lying areas close to the Periyar and Muvattupuzha Rivers even as more than 1,750 persons belonging to 552 families in Ernakulam district were shifted to relief camps.

Marooned people at Thelathuruth in Manjali near Kochi airport heading to the safety of relief camps wading through rising water.   | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

The water level in Bhoothathankettu dam had touched the 30.6 metres, against the reservoir capacity of 34.95 metres, with all the 15 shutters of the barrage remaining open for the last 24 hours.

The water level recorded at Malankara dam was 41.49 metres, against the full reservoir capacity of 42 metres by 10 a.m. All the six shutters at Malankara dam have been kept open. At Idamalayar, the water level was 143.62 meters against the reservoir storage capacity of 169 metres.

For rescue operations, a 25-member team of the National Disaster Response Force and 30 Army personnel have reached Kozhikode district on Friday morning. This is in addition to the 20-member team of the Border Security Force at Vilangad village where a landslip claimed three lives.

The squads attached to the Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society, and fishermen trained in rescue operations have also been pressed into service.

PM Modi assures Rahul Gandhi all help to deal with Kerala floods

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that the Centre would provide all the assistance to the State authorities to deal with landslides because of the floods in Kerala.

Mr. Gandhi, who represents the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, spoke with the Prime Minister, seeking Centre’s assistance to deal with the severe floods.

"Wayanad MP @RahulGandhi spoke to the Prime Minister seeking all possible assistance for the people severely affected by the floods and landslides in the state, especially in Wayanad. The PM has assured to provide any assistance required to mitigate the effects of the disaster," tweeted Mr. Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters late on Thursday evening, Mr. Gandhi said he had already talked to the Chief Ministers and collectors of three districts under his constituency.

"I wanted to go but a district collector told me that it will affect rescue operations," Mr. Gandhi said. "I want to the people of Wayanad that I am with them and will be visiting soon," he added.

Railways update:

According to the latest Railway update, all trains via Alappuzha are to be suspended till Saturday morning in view of the heavy rains and uprooting of trees along both sides of track on Ernakulam-Alappuzha section.

Three trains held up in the section will be diverted via Kottayam.

However, train services are running along the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam-Ernakulam section.

Airport update:

Thiruvanathapuram international airport is gearing up to handle additional flights in view of the closure of Cochin international airport till Sunday due to flooding.

40 injured in KSRTC bus accident

Around 40 people were injured after a KSRTC bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The condition of three passengers are critical, the police said.

A KSRTC bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The incident took place in Karimancode around 8.30 a.m. when the driver was apparently unable to negotiate a steep curve. Despite applying the brakes, he could not prevent the bus from veering off the wet road amid the heavy downpour the region has been witnessing, the Palode police said.

The vehicle slammed into a tree as it fell into the deep gorge and came to an abrupt halt, stopping short of ramming into a house a few metres ahead. The KSRTC ‘ordinary’ bus was headed for Nedumangad from the Kulathupuzha depot. 

While the critically injured were rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, other passengers were admitted in the Nedumangad District Hospital. 

Red alert in 9 districts

IMD has issued red alerts in nine districts today — Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod.

Of this, extremely heavy rainfall is considered likely in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kannur.

Flash flood leads to fear of another deluge in Kottayam

A flash flood, triggered by widespread landslips in the high ranges of Kottayam district, has raised fear of another great deluge like the previous year.

The landslips at Adukkam in the Theekkoyi ranges were reported in early on Friday. As a result, there was a sudden rise in the water level in the Meenachil river with the flood water gushing into several houses on the river banks.

With the water levels increasing and continuing to inundate scores of houses, the authorities have sounded an alert in the vulnerable villages on the river banks and began shifting the villagers.

Kozhikode places restriction on tourism

The Kozhikode district tourism promotion council has imposed restrictions on travellers visiting waterfalls at Arippara and Thusharagiri, located over 40 km from Kozhikode city, and the Sarovram biopark in the city.

Restriction are also placed on entry to beaches in Kozhikode, Vadakara and Beypore.

Army deployed from Pangode military station

A total of three columns of army has been deployed from Pangode military station in Thiruvananthapuram. The details are as follows:

1) Alappuzha - The column is headed by a Lieutenant colonel

2) Pathanamthitta - The column is headed by Major

3) Ernakulam - The column is headed by Major

The specific location to which the army is deployed will be updated soon. The location where the services of the army is required will be decided by the respective district administration.

In addition to this, two columns of army are on standby at the military station.

Army K&K sub area Bangalore is coordinating the entire flood operations in Kerala with both Kannur DSC and Pangode military station in Trivandrum.

Water supply to Government Medical College hospital Kozhikode reportedly disrupted. Volunteers distributing water among patients and bystanders.

More details awaited on the situation.

Water level in rivers in Kannur recedes as rain tapers off

As the torrential rain that lashed the Kannur district over the past two days tapered off, water level of the rivers that overflowed have started receding on Friday.

Several parts of the district, especially hill areas located in the Iritty and Taliparamba taluks, were affected by the incessant rain and wind that swept the district in August 8. The flood situation in these areas improved on Friday with water level in the rivers here, especially the Valapattanam river and it’s tributaries, receding.

"The situation in the hill areas of the Iritty taluk has improved as the intensity of the rain has reduced," said Tahsildar K.K. Divakaran. He said there was no need to panic now.

The raising of water level in the upstream of the Valapattanam river caused flooding in many parts in the district on Thursday. Nearly 415 people from 116 families had been shifted to nine camps opened in different parts of the district. Five of them are in the Iritty taluk.

List of cancelled trains

The following trains has been cancelled due to flooding and landslips caused by heavy rains in the State.

1. Ernakulam - Alappuzha passenger (56379)

2. Alappuzha - Ernakulam passenger (56302)

3. Ernakulam - Kayamkulam passenger (56381)

4. Kayamkulam - Ernakulam passenger (56382)

5. Ernakulam - Kayamkulam passenger (56387)

6. Kayamkulam - Ernakulam passenger (56388)

7. Kollam - Ernakulam MEMU (through Kottayam)(66300)

8. Ernakulam - Kollam (66301)

9. Kollam - Ernakulam MEMU (through Alappuzha) (66302)

10. Ernakulam - Kollam (66303)

11. Kayamkulam-Ernakulam passenger (56380)

4 dead, 3 missing in Kozhikode

Two more people have been reported dead in floods and landslips in Kozhikode, taking the total death toll to four. Three are missing.

Bodies of Mahful Mohammed Haji and Shareef Saqafi who were caught in the undercurrents of flood waters at Kuttiyadi have been recovered. Another person died at Kannadikkal, Vengeri near Kozhikode city after he fell into the floodwaters. The body of one person who died in the landslip in Vilangadu too has been recovered.

Three others are missing.

Kozhikode District Collector S. Sambasiva Rao has directed to relocate those staying on the banks of the Chaliyar river in the wake of rising water levels.

Those in Kodiyathur, Karassery, and Chathamangalam grama panchayats, Mukkom municipality have been asked to shift to safer places. People in Mavoor, Peruvayal, Thiruvambady, Koodaranhi and Omassery grama panchayats have been asked to be on alert.

People in low-lying areas of Thuruthi and Mangamuzhi in Thiruvallur grama panchayat and Chaniyamkadavu in Cheruvannur grama panchayat are being relocated to safer places in view of rising water levels in Kuttiyadi river.

As many as 2,562 people belonging to 888 families are housed in 60 relief camps in Kozhikode district, as per latest reports.

In Kozhikode, flood gates of Kakkayam dam are set to be opened further. Panchayat authorities on the banks of Kuttiady river have been asked to be on alert.

Residents staying on the river banks in Cheruvannur, Kuttiyadi, Thiruvallur, Perambra, Thurayur, Ayancheri, Maruthonkara, Chakkittapara, Changaroth, Velam, and Maniyoor grama panchayats and Vadakara and Payyoli municipalities will be relocated.

In Ernakulam, low lying areas in Paravur taluk remain submerged. Water level in the Periyar river has risen considerably, says taluk authorities. More than 1,000 people have been shifted to 24 camps in six villages so far.

6 columns deployed from Kannur

According to the Defence Security Corps centre in Kannur, six columns of Army has been deployed in Kerala and Coorg in the following places. One column consists of one Officer, 3 junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and 55 personnel of other ranks.

1) Wayanad- Kalpetta

2) Virajpet- Coorg

3) Kannur

4) Iritty

5) Kozhikode

6) Thamarassery

Order for emergency eviction of encroachments on drainages given

Ernakulam district collector S. Suhas orders emergency eviction of encroachments on drainages and canals in the Kochi city and their immediate cleaning in the wake of heavy rain. The order has been issued under the Disaster Management Act.

Heavy rains have resulted in rising water levels in the catchment areas of the Periyar. Those living in low-lying areas close to the river have been shifted to relief camps. The district administration has issued directives to the police and fire force teams to be on alert mode. Trees earmarked as ‘dangerous’ will be axed to avert untoward incidents

Landslips continue across the State

In Malappuram, the houses of two women forest watchers got buried under a landslide at Anamari Forest Check post near Vazhikkadavu in Nilambur taluk. Casualty is feared.

Near Manjeri, four members of a family were killed when their house collapsed in Edavanna village. The dead were identified as Kuttasseri Unais, Nusrath, Sana and Sanil. Their bodies have been shifted to Government Medical College Hospital at Manjeri.

In Wayanad district, four bodies have  been recovered by rescue workers from the debris of the landslip at Kuthumala near Meppadi.

The area in Puthumala village near Mepadi where the landslip occured   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Around 10 houses of estate workers, a temple, a church and an estate canteen had collapsed and several people had gone missing after a major landslip hit the area, which is around 25 km from Kalpetta. A section of the hill Vellarimala had given in around 3 p.m. on Thursday.

Puthumala in Wayanad district a few days before Thursday’s massive landslip that killed at least 4 persons (left), and Puthumala as it stands a day after the landslip (right).   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

NDRF rescue workers have arrived in the area.

Malappuram: Six people are feared trapped inside a collapsed building at Chelipadam near Mampad in Malappuram district. The accident took place at 5 a.m. today. Rescue efforts continue.

Meanwhile, four flights bound for Cochin international airport and Karipur  international airport have landed in Thiruvananthapuram international airport till 7.30 a.m.

Over 300 relief camps opened

As per the latest report from Chief Minister’s Office, 315 flood relief camps have been opened across the State. These camps now host 22,165 persons from 5,936 families.

Wayanad district has the most number of camps- 105.

IMD issues red alerts for four districts on August 9

Central and north Kerala districts can expect isolated heavy rainfall till Sunday morning, after which there will be a gradual reduction, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

Red alerts, signalling extremely heavy rainfall (in excess of 20.4 cm during a 24-hour period), have been issued for Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad and orange alerts — isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall — for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur, and Kasaragod for Friday.

Holiday declared in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam

With heavy rainfall continuing in the State, the district collectors of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the two districts on Friday morning.

A holiday had been declared for the educational institutions including professional colleges in the other 12 districts on Thursday itself.

Examinations will be held as planned in both districts.

Meanwhile, an IMD alert warned that thunderstorm accompanied with rain and gusty winds was likely in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts during the next three hours.

As per a 12.30 a.m. update 18,308 people have been evacuated to 266 relief camps in the affected districts.

Kochi Airport closes operations till August 11

Cochin International Airport Ltd, in a statement, said that operations at the Kochi airport has been suspended till 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2019.

Cochin International Airport has suspended operation following floods in its apron area   

Earlier, in view of the continuing rain, air operations from Cochin International Airport Limited at Nedumbassery have been suspended till 9 a.m. on Friday as a precautionary measure.

Emergency control room number at the airport: 0484-3053500.

Meanwhile, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has commenced special bus services from Thiruvananthapuram international airport to Ernakulam in view of diversion of flights due to closure of Kochi airport.

Train services via Alappuzha hit as overhead line got snapped after a tree uprooted and fell on track near Sherthala early morning.

In Kozhikode district, three persons missing after a landslip at Vilangad in Vadakara taluk. So far, about 1,500 persons have been relocated to relief camps in various places in the district.

On Kerala flood’s first anniversary, rain rattles Malabar

Roads turned into streams. Broken bridges. Overflowing rivers. Houses that are half under water. Household articles swimming in the street. Power outage. Mobile phones gone dead. Left-out cows and goats baying in scare at marooned homes. Thousands of people, scores of them bed-ridden elderly people, moved into makeshift camps. At least three persons dead.

This was the picture of a large part of the Malabar region on Thursday, exactly a year after last year’s worst-floods-in-a-century struck the region.

Pampa overflows in Sabarimala foothills

The Pampa breached its banks at Pampa-Triveni in the foothills of Sabarimala flooding the Pampa Manalpuram on Thursday morning. The floodwaters entered the Annadana Mandapam of the Travancore Devaswom Board as well as shops and hotels on the banks.

Emergency phone numbers

State Control Room: 0471 2331639 / 0471 2333198

State Toll-free number: 1070

State Emergency Operation Centre: 9446568222

KSRTC 24-hour control room numbers: 0471-2463799, 9447071021.