More rain in store for Kerala; water level rises in 10 dams

Officials predicted more rain as the death toll from floods and landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala rose to 28 on Monday. Since the ferocious downpours began last week, swollen rivers have decimated bridges, and vehicles and homes have been swept away. Several dams were nearing full capacity.

K.J. Ramesh, one of India’s top meteorologists and the former chief of the weather agency, said the increased rainfall was linked to climate change and warmer oceans.

“This is definitely a sign of things to come,” he said.

At least 23 people died in Kottayam and Idukki districts, among the worst hit. More than 9,000 people have taken shelter in over 200 camps across the state, officials said.

The heavy rainfall resulted from a low-pressure area that formed over the southeastern Arabian sea and Kerala. It was expected to ease, but the Meteorological Department warned that new rain-bearing winds would hit the region starting Wednesday, bringing more precipitation.

Heavy rainfall is also predicted across several northern and eastern Indian states.

With water levels rising due to heavy rains in the catchment areas, a red alert was issued on 10 dams in Kerala.

Two shutters of Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta were opened and pilgrimage to Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala has been put on hold for now, state Revenue Minister K Rajan said on Monday.

After a review meeting held at the Pathanamthitta district collectorate to assess the situation, Rajan and state Health Minister Veena George said at a press conference that it has been decided to open the Kakki dam to release around 100-200 cumex water which would increase the water level of Pampa river by around 15 centimetres.

They said the decision was taken in view of the water level in the dam increasing beyond the danger levels. The meeting also taking into consideration the heavy rainfall expected from October 20 which might worsen the situation if some water is not released now.

They also said that in view of the expected worsening of the weather condition from October 20 till October 24, it would not be possible to permit pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala for the Thula Masam poojas for which the shrine had been opened from October 16. The ministers said there was “no other option” but to stop the pilgrimage for now, as otherwise it would be difficult to rescue everyone if water levels in the nearby Pampa river were to rise further due to the heavy rains predicted from October 20.

They said the Kakki dam’s two shutters were being opened as part of the measures to normalise the situation on the ground, while the rains have subsided temporarily, before the expected heavy downpour.

Preparations have been made to evacuate or shift people living along the banks of the Pampa river to relief camps set up in the district.

Presently, there are 83 camps in the district where over 2,000 people are housed, Rajan said.

He added that one NDRF team has been deployed there and an airlift team is standing by to assist in relief operations if the need arises. —