After the devastating floods that Kerala had faced last year, heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in the state this year too. Around 22 people have allegedly lost their lives with many reported to be missing, states Hindustan Times report. Water-logging in several parts of the cities has resulted in shutting down of schools, colleges, offices and Kochi airport.
The weather forecast has raised a high alert of heavy rains for the next 48 hours. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought Army and Air Force help for any emergencies. Wayanad region of the state is reportedly the worst-hit area with many parts of it being cut off from roads and other transport facilities. People are also reported to be stuck under a landslide at Meppady.
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People were also asked not to visit Wayanad and Idukki districts of Kerala until August 15. “Some areas like Nilambur, Iritty, Kottiyur and hill destination Munnar received 18-20 cms rainfall in last 24 hours”, the Met office told HT.
“Of the 44 rivers in the state more than half are in spate and many dams are filled to the brim”, said, revenue officials. “More than 20,000 people have been evacuated to safer places as overflowing rivers and swollen dams flooded several districts amid heavy rains,” they added.
Kerala’s Disaster Management Authority has issued a red alert in Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts for the coming two days. The Yellow alert remains in six other districts, said the Met department.
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In 2018, Kerala was hit by massive floods which killed 483 persons and 140 went missing. The state suffered a loss of Rs 31,000 crore to life, infrastructure and health reports India Today.
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We hope the rain Gods relent and the relief efforts help ensure the state does not suffer such disastrous conditions again.