Idukki Bans Night Travel Amid Heavy Rain, Landslide Threat; Orange Alert in Six Districts

Idukki: The Idukki district administration has banned night travel in the hilly areas of the district amid heavy rain and the threat of landslides. The restriction will be in place from 7 pm to 6 am. Adventure tourism centres have also been ordered to remain closed until the weather alerts are withdrawn. Traffic restrictions have also been imposed in Munnar. Vehicles are being diverted from Old Munnar due to the landslide threat. Vehicles have to enter Gap Road from near the CSI Church and reach the town after crossing the bridge near the police station. Rain continues in several parts of the district. Five families were relocated from Pazhamballichal in Adimali as a precaution amid the possibility of a landslide. The intensity of the rain has reduced in the area. People travelling on the Neriamangalam-Valara road have been advised to exercise caution. Trees have fallen at several places on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway. Kottayam, which received heavy rain yesterday, is experiencing a lull in rainfall today. Orange alerts have been issued in six districts of the state today — Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Palakkad. Strong winds with speeds of up to 40 kmph are also likely.