Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc In Kerala

After the August deluge last year, Kerala once again is under the wrath of the monsoons. The state is facing heavy rainfall and flood like situation in many parts. Red alert has been issued in four districts - Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad after torrential rains washed up the low lying areas, flooding them. 

The monsoon in the state intensified leading to heavy rains causing schools and other educational institutions to shut down. 

According to Business Today, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired an emergency meeting to evaluate the situation in the state. "We have requested more NDRF teams to be sent to the state. Already two teams have been sent to Nilambur and Idukki," a CMO release said.

Many low lying areas in the state have been flooded, after the rise in the waters of Manimala, Meenachal, Moovattupuzha, Chaliyar, Valapattanam, Iruvazjinjpuzha and Pamba rivers. Some areas also experienced landslides.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the state for the next 3 days. The IMD also issued a red alert in Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) also issued a red alert for Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and orange alert has been issued for Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod for Thursday.

The state has also opened the Maniyar dam over the Kakkattar river. Helplines numbers have also been functional in the state after it received heavy rainfall. All airline operations have been suspended from Cochin International Airport till Sunday as the runway is flooded. The Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been called to rescue people stuck in flood prone areas. 

According to India Today, 14 people are dead and 22,000 have been evacuated to 315 relief camps. 

Monsoons in Kerala wreaked havoc last year causing widespread damage, the effects of which people are still recovering from.