Kerala floods : Heavy rains, landslides claim 20 lives
- by Kelli Lowe
- in Global Media
- — Aug 11, 2018
Father Abhilash Chirambikkunnel, an official of Thamaraserry Diocese, said officials were providing schools and other church institutions to accommodate people in Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.
The maximum storage level of the reservoir, which is one of the largest arch dams in Asia, is 2,403 feet. "Avoid all areas throughout Kerala affected by landslides and flash floods", said the advisory, as reported by The Hindu. Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan who convened a review meeting at Aluva earlier in the day said the State Government would apprise the Central team of officials of the gravity of the situation and request emergency assistance to tide over the crisis.
As water gushed out of the Idukki dam, low lying areas in Cheruthoni including Karimban and Thadiyambad were inundated.
"Kerala has received 17 percent more rainfall so far during the current season compared with past year", K. Santhosh, Kerala director of India's Meteorological Department, told Reuters.
The water level in the Idukki dam stood at 2,399.58 feet (in relation to mean sea level) at 4.30 pm today against the full reservoir level of 2,403 feet, prompting the authorities to issue the red alert, officials said.
However, in 1992, all the three shutters was opened in the month of October.
At least 22 people have died in Kerala due to incessant rainfall and flooding in the past two days, the Home Ministry said today.
A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been sent to Kozhikode as the heavy rainfall caused a flood-like situation in Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. People have to be vigilant, Vijayan said. The army and air force will together undertake the rescue operations in Idukki and Wayanad, as reported by Times of India.
According to state disaster control room, 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas to 241 relief camps across the state.
"The haphazard development along the streams has affected the natural flow of rivers, which is a challenge right now", he said.
The airport would probably be water-logged if the water from Idamalayar and Idukki dams reach Ernakulam, say sources.
People being taken to safety following a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Idukki. Two teams have been sought from the Centre for North Kerala.
Small bridges have been constructed to evacuate stranded people in various places in Kozhikode and Wayanad areas, and rescue operations are now underway. "No cancellations of services so far".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Kerala Chief Minister yesterday in the wake of heavy rains and floods in the state and offered all possible assistance to those affected.
