Heavy rains continued across several parts of Kerala on Wednesday, with flooding and waterlogging persisting in several areas.
Orange alert in five districts tomorrow
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod on Thursday. Yellow alerts have been issued for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Widespread rain is expected to continue, with the orange alert forecast to remain in place until Friday.
Holidays declared in several taluks
Educational institutions in several taluks will remain closed tomorrow, including Kottayam taluk, Thiruvalla and Kozhencherry taluks in Pathanamthitta, and Kuttanad, Chengannur, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara taluks in Alappuzha. Schools operating as relief camps in other affected areas will also remain closed.
Flooding continues in Upper Kuttanad
Waterlogging continues in Upper Kuttanad, with residents still staying on the upper floors of several flooded houses. Around 6,000 people are staying in 85 relief camps in Thiruvalla, while waterlogging continues on the Thiruvalla-Mavelikkara and Alappuzha-Changanassery roads. The Central Water Commission has also issued orange alerts for the Achankovil and Manimala rivers in Pathanamthitta.
Transport and fishing affected
The Kochi-Vypin Ro-Ro service has been suspended due to strong water currents and will remain unavailable tomorrow. The fishing ban along the Kerala, Lakshadweep and Karnataka coasts has also been extended until August 8, with winds of up to 60 kmph expected.
Government announces disaster management measures
The Kerala Cabinet has approved an AI-based dam management system and urgent desilting of dams, rivers, Vembanad Lake and the Pamba River. The state will also strengthen weather forecasting and flood mapping under a disaster resilience programme.