As heavy rain continues in several parts of the state another death has been reported from Pathanamthitta district on Tuesday, details of the deceased are not available at the moment. Currently, the number of deaths from rain-related casualties since July 9, the advent of the second phase of the monsoon, is 13.
According to the Disaster Control Room, 265 relief camps have been opened on Tuesday. The camps have been opened in all districts except in Kasargod, Kannur and Malappuram.
Heavy rains continue in Kottayam and Idukki. The towns in the central district of Kottayam- Pala, Kumarakom, Ettumanoor, Vaikom have been hit the worst by the rain. Buses are not in function in these places and normal life has completely stopped.
The Indian Meteorological Department in its Tuesday broadcast said that wind will blow from the eastern direction at a speed of 35 to 45 kilometres and sometimes in 60 kilometres on the Lakshadweep shore. It has also said that there is possibility of high tides (3.5 metre to 4.9 metre) on the Kerala and Lakshadweep shores.
The centre has further warned that fishermen should avoid venturing into sea on Kerala and Lakshadweep shores, in the middle and south- west and north part of the Arabian sea for the next 24 hours.
In view of the incessant rains, the Disaster Management Authority has yet again come out with guidelines for the people.
Furthermore, they have asked people to avoid traveling to hilly regions from 7 pm to 7 am, considering the possibility of landslides. “Public should avoid stepping going into the sea and should also be cautious of rivers, water logging and streams because of the possibility of rising water levels.
Vehicles shouldn’t be parked near streams in the high ranges or parked under trees,” the statement issued by the authority says.
It also alerts the people living in the high ranges, vulnerable to landslides, to be cautious.
“Public shouldn’t delay to shift from the place they live if directed by the officials. People, other than trained volunteers, should avoid visit to flood and landslide affected areas. Parents should ensure that children are not playing in rivers, streams or water logging,” reads the statement.
Heavy rains are expected in parts of the state until Wednesday, while some places are expected to see heavy rains through Sunday.
Train services have also been affected due to the high water levels under railway bridges. Safety inspections are routinely underway at such bridges, sequentially permitting train movement.