Red alert at 10 dams as Kerala flood toll hits 35
HEAVY RAIN FORECAST FOR 3-4 DAYS STARTING TOMORROW
Officials predicted more rain yesterday as the death toll from floods and landslides in the south Indian state of Kerala rose to 35.
Since the ferocious downpour began last week, swollen rivers have decimated bridges, and vehicles and homes have been swept away. Several dams were nearing full capacity.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rains in Kerala for 3-4 days from tomorrow. Yellow alerts have been issued in 10 districts tomorrow and in six districts on Thursday.
Ten dams were put on red alert as water levels kept rising. At least 23 people died in Kottayam and Idukki districts, among the worst hit.
2018 disaster in mind
Opening dams could reduce the risk of catastrophic overflows like those partly blamed for the state’s worst floods in a century in 2018, when at least 400 people were killed and 200,000 displaced. But by releasing water downstream, areas already experiencing floods could suffer more.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan yesterday said an expert committee will take a decision to open dams and the district collector will ensure that people living in vulnerable areas are evacuated to safety.
The National Disaster Response Force deployed 11 teams in the state, while Indian Navy and Air Force teams are assisting in relief and rescue operations. More than 9,000 people have taken shelter in over 200 camps across the state.
Preparations were made to evacuate or shift people living along the banks of the Pampa river to relief camps set up in Pathanamthitta district where a decision was taken to release water from the Kakki dam. There are 83 camps in the district where over 2,000 people are housed.
Pilgrimage to Sabarimala temple put on hold
Officials yesterday decided to put the pilgrimage to Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on hold. The shrine was opened on Saturday. The officials said there was “no other option” as 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 tomorrow.