NE NEWS SERVICE
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, OCT 18
27 deaths were reported in Kerala till Monday evening due to the heavy rains and subsequent landslides triggered by the torrential downpour. 14 deaths were reported in Kottayam district, 10 in Idukki district, and one each in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikode districts, says a release from information department.
Meanwhile, the bodies of 13 people who were killed in a landslide at Plaupally in Koottikkal village (Kanjirapally Taluk, Kottayam District) were recovered today. One of them is a native of Idukki district. Johnson Sebastian (35), a native of Ettumanoor, drowned in the Cheruvandoor paddy field in Ettumanoor.
Four houses were completely washed away in a landslide at Kokkayar in Peerumedu village in Idukki district. Seven persons, including five children and two adults, were killed in these incidents. At the same time, the search is on for the missing Ansi (52) who went missing in a flash flood in Idukki.
In Thiruvananthapuram district, Abhilash (23) has reportedly drowned in the Kallar river. A native of Jharkhand has gone missing in an overflowing canal in Thiruvananthapuram taluk. Joseph (72) of Thalappilly, Thekkumkara in Thrissur district died after falling into a ravine near his house.
At present, 2,619 families are living in 247 relief camps across the state. There are a total of 9,422 people in these camps. The Chief Minister has directed that the relief camps should have adequate facilities. Food, clothing and bedding should be provided. Apart from the Revenue Department, the respective LSG bodies should also take note of this. The CM also directed to seek the help of local communities.
Idukki dam to be opened today at 11 a.m.
The shutters of the Idukki Dam will be opened at 11 am on October 19 (Tuesday). The Idamalayar dam will also be opened tomorrow. The shutters of the Kaki Ananthodu Dam in Pathanamthitta district were opened on Monday. Moozhiyar and Maniyar dams have also been opened. The shutters of Peechi, Chimmini, Poomala, Asurankundu, Pathazhakundu and Vazhani dams in Thrissur district have been opened. Chulliyar Dam, Mangalam, Malampuzha, Kanjirapuzha and Shiruvani dams have been opened in Palakkad district. People living on the banks of these rivers and adjoining areas have been advised to exercise caution and be vigilant against rising waters.
Expert committee to decide on the opening of dams in State: Kerala CM
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that an expert committee has been tasked to decide on the opening of various dams in the state in the wake of the heavy rains. The Chief Minister said this at a high-level meeting held today to assess the impact of the heavy rains and water levels of the dams across the State.
The expert committee will decide on which dam should be opened or not based on the amount of water in the respective dams. The exact time of opening the shutters should be notified in advance to the concerned District Collectors. People living in downstream areas would be given enough time to evacuate. This is to avoid the dangers of opening the dams too quickly.
The review meeting also decided to completely cancel the pilgrimage during the Sabarimala Tulamasa Puja this time. Nilakkal, Perunthenaruvi region has received more than 20 cm of rain on Sunday. The shutters of the Kaki Dam have been opened. The water level in the rivers has risen. Heavy rains in the forest also increase the risk of landslides and mudslides. Heavy rain has been forecast from October 20, Wednesday. The meeting assessed that in these circumstances pilgrimage could not be allowed. The district administration has been directed to make arrangements to send back home the pilgrims who have arrived earlier.
Meanwhile, the opening of colleges would be postponed to October 25. Widespread rains are expected in the state for the next 2-3 days from October 20. The Central Meteorological Department has warned of isolated heavy rains.
The meeting was attended by Ministers of Revenue and Power, and other senior officials including the Chief Secretary, the release added.
