Riverbanks, low-lying areas of Ernakulam district remain on alert despite relief from heavy rain
A total of 110 people remained in relief camps across the district on Monday (August 3) following heavy downpours over the past few days. The
A total of 110 people remained in relief camps across the district on Monday (August 3) following heavy downpours over the past few days. The day passed without much rain-related trouble. Eight camps remained active in the district—four in Muvattupuzha taluk and two each in Kunnathunad and Kothamangalam—while four had been closed. Those who have taken shelter in camps include 51 women, 40 men, and 19 children. Though the district did not witness incessant rain on Monday, the authorities advised people residing along the Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers, as well as in low-lying areas, to remain alert as the water levels in the rivers remained above the warning marks.
Authorities said the water level at the Malankara dam had touched the red-alert mark of 41.30 metres in the evening as inflow from the catchment area remained heavy. Excess water had been discharged from the dam by gradually raising its shutters since Sunday night (August 2), they said. Though a flood-like situation prevailed along the Pooyamkutty river in Kothamangalam following heavy rain on Sunday night, it eased later as weather conditions improved.
The Manikandanchal causeway across the river, which serves as a critical link between interior tribal hamlets and villages such as Manikandanchal and Kallelimedu and the mainland, was submerged in the morning. However, the water receded by afternoon, officials said. Minister visits Chellanam Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, who is in charge of the district, visited different wards of the Chellanam grama panchayat that had been severely affected by heavy rain and sea surge.
Stating that the situation in the region required a permanent solution, the Minister said the government would shortly initiate steps to complete the construction of a seawall. Mr. John was accompanied by Kochi MLA Muhammed Shiyas.
The BriefWire