Kaki-Ananthodu dam opened in Pathanamthitta district
Thiruvananthapuram: The expert committee has been directed to decide on the opening of various dams in the backdrop of heavy rains in the state. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to assess the rainfall and water level of the dams. The expert committee will decide which dam should be opened or not based on the amount of water in the respective dams. The CM also directed the concerned district collectors to be informed about the exact hours before the opening.
There are currently 184 relief camps in the state. Camps should have adequate facilities. Food, clothing and bedding should be provided. Apart from the Revenue Department, the respective local bodies should also take note of this. The CM also directed to seek the help of local communities. Meanwhile, the opening of colleges in the state has been postponed to October 25. The decision was taken considering the possibility of heavy rains in the coming days.
The review meeting decided to completely cancel the pilgrimage during the Sabarimala Tulamasa Puja this time. Nilakkal, Perunthenaruvi region received more than 20 cm of rain on Sunday itself. With the opening of the shutters of the Kaki Dam, the water level in Pampa is rising. Heavy rains in the forest also increase the risk of landslides and mudslides. The meeting assessed that in these circumstances pilgrimage could not be allowed these days. He also directed the district administration to send back the pilgrims who had arrived earlier.
According to the Central Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of further rains in the state. The Central Meteorological Department has forecast isolated thundershowers in Kerala from October 20 to 22.
The water level in Pampa and Achankovilat continues to rise. It is a matter of concern that the water level will not drop despite the rains subsiding. Rains continue in North Kerala but not heavy. Traffic was disrupted due to landslide on the way to Kozhikode Kakkayam dam. Several houses were destroyed in Vadakara and Koyilandy areas.
Six of the eight dams in Palakkad district have been opened. The review meeting will be chaired by Krishnankutty. There is a warning as the water level in Bharathapuzha is rising. The District Collector said that as the shutters of the Kollam Thenmala Dam are being opened, people in East Kallada, West Kallada and Monroe Island should be vigilant.
There have been 26 deaths due to rains in the state so far. The bodies of 14 people who went missing in a landslide at Kottayam Koottikkal on Saturday have been found. Nine bodies of those who went missing in a landslide in Kokkayar in nearby Idukki district were found yesterday.
Meanwhile, the body of seven-year-old Sachu Shahulin, who went missing in Kokkayar, was found. The search for the landslide site was called off. No information has yet been received about the woman, Anne, who drowned. Various forces are hoping that the rescue operation will be expedited if the weather is favorable.
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