Central Travancore in Kerala experienced heavy rainfall throughout Sunday night, resulting in a significant rise in water levels across all major rivers in the region. This has raised alarm for potential floods in the districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha.
The Meenachil River recorded an increase of nearly three feet overnight. Similarly, the Pampa and Manimala rivers are swelling due to the relentless rain. The Pampa River has already overflowed its banks at Aranmula, necessitating the evacuation of more residents from houses that are now inundated. Officials have issued warnings regarding the risk of flash floods across the Pampa basin as the river’s water levels continue to rise.
Emergency Measures and Alerts
A red alert has been issued for the Moozhiyar dam on the Pampa. In response, one of the dam’s shutters has been elevated by 15 cm to manage the inflow of water. Residents residing near the Kakkiyar and Pampa rivers have been advised to stay vigilant and refrain from entering the rivers.
In Kottayam district, the rising waters of the Meenachil River have caused waterlogging in various stretches along the Kottayam-Kumarakom-Vaikom road. Areas such as Thiruvarppu, Kumarakom, Aymanam, Arpookkara, Kummanam, Thazhathangady, and Nattassery have witnessed floodwaters entering homes.
Current Conditions and Response Efforts
Pathanamthitta district is in a critical state, especially in the Upper Kuttanad region, where severe flooding persists. Conditions along the banks of the Pampa River remain perilous. To bolster rescue operations, additional fishing boats have been dispatched from Kollam. Furthermore, pilgrims are being restricted from proceeding to Sabarimala on Monday due to the current conditions.
The Moozhiyar dam’s full capacity stands at 192.10 metres, and the water level has already surpassed 191 metres. Authorities have indicated that if the inflows continue to surge, more shutters may need to be opened. Additionally, heavy rainfall has caused soil erosion at various points along the Pampa riverbank, while continuous rain is affecting forest catchment areas. Water levels in the Muvattupuzha River have crossed the warning threshold, prompting officials to alert residents living along the riverbanks to exercise caution.
Impact on Local Communities
In Alappuzha district, Muttar grama panchayat in Edathua has been completely cut off as all access roads have become submerged. There is an increasing demand for the immediate evacuation of stranded residents to safer locations, highlighting the urgent need for action as flood conditions worsen.
