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Flash floods in central Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy to very heavy rainfall occurred at several places in central Kerala during the 24 hours that ended at 8.30 on Sunday morning. The highest rainfall of 15 cm was recorded at Kanjirappally followed by the Kochi airport and Cherthala (10 cm each).

Flash floods occurred at several places in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. A few landslips occurred in Kottayam district. Roads got blocked. Low intensify rainfall is continuing in several parts of the State.

The weather bureau forecasts rain in many places in Kerala, including isolated heavy rainfall, during the next 48 hours.

Staff Reporter writes from Pathanamthitta:

Flood threat looms large over the low-lying areas in Pathanamthitta, especially the upper Kuttanad region, as rain continued to lash the region for the fourth day on Sunday. Water level in major rivers, the Pampa, the Manimala and the Achencoil, flowing through the district is fast rising. According to reports, the Manimala has begun to breach its banks at certain points in Mallappally taluk.

Reclamation of paddy fields and low-lying areas has blocked many natural flood escape routes leading to water-logging in many parts, including roads, in certain small towns.

Heavy showers during the last 24 hours caused water-logging in parts of Kochi city and dampened the Onam festival mood. It started raining from early Saturday morning and extended to the afternoon of Sunday. After a break, the rain continued into the evening. Most of the low-lying areas in the city were flooded and traffic flow was affected in these areas. Byroads near Ernakulam North were also inundated. Areas near North Railway Station, St. Benedict Road and ESI junction were flooded in the downpour. Most of the outlets from the roads to the drains in the area were blocked resulting in the flooding in the area, said Mini Antony, Corporation Secretary.

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