As the entire state strives hard to come back to normal after the worst floods in a century, Munnar and Cheruthoni in Idukki still remain isolated and completely cut off.
Munnar is one of the most sought after tourism destinations in the state, while Cheruthoni lies in the catchment area of Idukki dam.
There is no power supply in Munnar and Cheruthoni ever since the rains started unleashing havoc. Roads leading to Munnar are broken while the destruction of Cheruthoni bridge has isolated it from the rest of the region.
In Munnar, the most affected areas are Eravikulam, Kunthala and Mattupetti. The landmark tea estates in Munnar have been ravaged. Thekkady, another tourist destination is also partially isolated. Traffic had been completely stopped, but was partially resumed on Monday.
Though Kerala Road Transport Corporation resumed bus services in the state, to Idukki, it was restricted till Adimaly due to the bad state of roads. Vehicular traffic was resumed on National Highway 85 on the Adimaly-Kothamangalam route, as an Army team repaired roads on the route.
Since the beginning of August, 49 people died in the district in flood-related calamities, while 11 people are reported missing. As many as 435 relief camps have been opened and 11,245 members of 31,589 families have been accommodated in the camps.
Though water levels have been receding, the accumulation of mud is hampering the rescue operations and task of restoration. Unlike most of the other districts, landslips triggered by the rains have destroyed Idukki.
Two shutters of Idukki dam are still closed, but in a much-needed respite, water levels in the dam are decreasing as rains have abated now. As per reliable information, on Monday, people in the relief camps of Peerumedu, Idukki and Udumpumchola Taluks began returning to their homes.
This article has been produced in partnership with Oxfam India. In the last 10 years, Oxfam India has delivered over 36 impactful humanitarian responses in India. Oxfam India is providing critical relief to the affected families and communities in Kerala: clean drinking water, sanitation, and shelter kits. Click here to help #RebuildKerala.