Incessant Rains Prompt Closure Of Tourist Spots In Kerala; Night Travel Restrictions Imposed

On Tuesday, central and southern Kerala grappled with severe weather conditions, with intense downpours and gusty winds wreaking havoc across the region. The relentless rain triggered landslides, severe water-logging, and extensive property damage, compelling authorities to declare a state of high alert. Many residents were forced to evacuate to relief camps for safety.

In Kottayam district, the Chokkallu area of Bharananganam village bore the brunt of a landslide, causing significant destruction. Meanwhile, Ernakulam district, particularly Kochi city, witnessed relentless heavy rainfall, leading to submerged roads and disruption of normal life. Experts attribute this abnormal weather pattern to potential cloudbursts, with the Kalamassery locality in Kochi experiencing severe flooding, impacting hundreds of homes.

Tourist Places Shut

Several tourist destinations in districts like Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram have been shut down, and a night travel ban has been imposed in the hilly areas of Idukki district as a precautionary measure. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Kottayam and Ernakulam districts, predicting further heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued warnings regarding the heightened risks of landslides, flooding, and water-logging, advising residents to refrain from unnecessary travel and seek shelter in safe locations. Tourists have been barred from visiting popular sites such as Illikkal Kallu and the Ponmudi ecotourism centre. With river levels on the rise, authorities have urged vigilance among residents residing near the Meenachil River in Kottayam and Killiyar in Thiruvananthapuram.

Relief Camps Set Up for Emergencies

The continuous downpour wreaked havoc across various districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. Flooded roads in Kochi caused significant traffic congestion, while mudslides and traffic disruptions were reported on key routes in Kottayam. In the capital district of Thiruvananthapuram, heavy rains since Monday night inflicted severe damage in Neyyattinkara and surrounding areas. Additionally, high tides and rough seas posed threats to coastal regions, resulting in boat capsizing incidents and one casualty due to high tidal waves.

In preparation for emergencies, the state has set up 3,597 relief camps, capable of accommodating over five lakh people. The IMD has issued varying levels of alerts across Kerala, with red alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in certain districts, orange alerts for very heavy rain in others, and yellow alerts for heavy rainfall in additional regions.