Heavy Rain Hits Kerala; Six Districts Under Orange Alert

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala continued to experience heavy rainfall on Sunday, particularly in the high-range areas, while several low-lying regions reported flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for six districts — Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod — and a yellow alert for the remaining eight districts. Lakshadweep has also been placed under an orange alert.
The orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall, ranging between 11 and 20 cm within 24 hours, while a yellow alert signals heavy rain between 6 and 11 cm. Idukki was the worst affected district, with flooding and mudslides reported from several areas on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Water entered houses and shops in Nedumkandam, Kumily, and Kattappana, prompting authorities to shift residents to relief camps.
The continuous rain has also caused a rise in water levels at the Mullaperiyar dam. The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, which manages the dam, opened 13 spillway shutters by 100 cm. District officials said 1,400 cusecs of water are being discharged from the dam, which recorded a water level of 139.30 feet at 5 am. Water is also being released from three other dams in Idukki.
In Ernakulam, heavy overnight rain caused flooding near Ernakulam Junction railway station, where renovation work is in progress. The district administration has been put on alert due to rising water levels in rivers. High rainfall was also reported in Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur.
In Malappuram, floodwaters entered agricultural lands in the highlands, causing damage to crops. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, as rough weather conditions are expected to continue until October 22.