India
oi-Ashish Rana
The heavy rain in Kerala has continued on Monday making it worse condition of flood in the several districts. That has prompted India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert in 10 districts. The rising water level, opened dam shutters and fresh warning of landslides and the flood situation have keep the authorities on high alert.
Heavy rains in Kerala caused the IMD to issue an orange alert for 10 districts, leading to school closures in 12, with Pathanamthitta worst-hit. Dam shutters opened due to rising rivers amid rescues for 11 reported deaths, house damage, and landslide warnings; fishermen were advised off sea until August 5.
Pathanamthitta has been the worst-hit district in the state, even schools, colleges in 12 districts have remained closed.
Orange Alert Extended, Schools Shut in 12 Districts
The IMD has issued warning of heavy rainfall of 7 cm to 11 cm within 24 hours in the district that are under orange alert. Even the Schools, colleges, professional institutions, anganwadis, tuition centres and training institutes have also been closed in 12 districts.
In Alappuzha, even the relief camps are also shut down with wider restrictions in flood prone areas like Chengannur and Kuttanad.
Rivers Rising as Rescue Efforts Continue
The continuous rainfall has made river levels to rise all over the state, which forced authorities to open the shutters of major dams to control the water flow. The IMD has also given warning of strong winds that reached upon 50 kmph in many districts and advised fishermen to away from the sea area till 5 August.
According to the official figures, 11 have people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents. Even the 30 houses have been completely destroyed and 293 are partially damaged. Total 273 relief camps are sheltering around 7,674 people and rescue operations are still on. NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Rescue Services and police teams are on the run to rescue people.
Pathanamthitta Worst Affected, More Rain Forecast
Pathanamthitta has been the worst affected area in Kerala after the severe rain damage. The residents who are in vulnerable and landslide-prone areas are asked to shift their residents and their bases to safer locations. Even the Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar has said that compensation for damaged homes will release quickly through direct bank transfers. IMD has issued warning that rain is likely to continue in next few days, asking people to follow official advisories and avoid the travel as much as they can.
