Heavy rains to continue in Kerala: Warning issued to those living on banks of Periyar

As the water level in the Periyar river has been rising because of heavy rains lashing Idukki district and the catchment areas of the river, a warning has been issued to those residing on the banks of the Periyar and its tributaries.

“As the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rains to continue in the coming days, the level of water in the Periyar river could increase exponentially. And so, those living on the banks of the river should be cautious,” says a release issued by the Executive Engineer of the Periyar Valley River Project division.

In the wake of the monsoon gaining strength, the IMD had declared red and orange alerts for some districts in the state till Sunday. A red alert has been issued in Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts for Friday, in Idukki on Saturday and Kannur on Sunday.

Districts where red alert has been declared are expected receive more than 204 mm rainfall in 24 hours.

Read: Extremely heavy rains forecast in several Kerala districts, red warning issued

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also issued directions for district collectors in the state.

KSDMA has directed that those living in areas and houses that have been tagged as unfit for living by the Geological Survey of India should be shifted to relief camps if necessary.

If needed, relief camps would be opened in villages for families that are living in houses that were damaged in last year’s floods and have not been repaired, KSDMA said.

Collectors have also been directed to make sure that the district control room is working 24/7. They should also ensure that each department in the district is working specifically according to the guidelines published by the KSDMA as part of monsoon preparedness.

The KSDMA also warned that if heavy rains persist, floods and mudslides can also occur.