Kerala is expected to receive heavy rainfall until July 17, with the northern districts slated to receive the bulk of the rains.
"Districts such as Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode and others have been receiving heavy showers and this expected continue for the next week. Towards the south, the rainfall is recorded to be of lower intensity. Over the past few days, 7-11 cm of rainfall has been recorded in the above mentioned districts," an official from the State Emergency Operations Control department told TNM.
Following heavy rains, a few districts declared a holiday for education institutions. In Alappuzha, a holiday was declared for educational institutions except professional colleges in Chertala Taluk. In Kottayam, Kidangur Pirayar government LPS in Meenachil Taluk will remain closed as a relief camp has been opened in the school premises.
The State authorities are on vigil following a rain induced landslide in Kozhikode which killed over 10 people from two families in Thamarassery Churam.
"In Wayanad, all quarry mines have been asked to stop operating temporarily to prevent landslides. High hazard zones have been identified and marked in the hilly pockets of the districts including in Kozhikode, Idukki, Wayanad etc. Once rains intensify, tourists in hilly areas will also be warned not to drive during the evenings," the official from the State Emergency Operations Control added.
Wayanad and Idukki worst hit
The shutters of Kaiani reservoir across the Kabini river in Wayanad were opened on Tuesday noon. In the district, as many as 14 relief camps were opened at various locations to relocate families. Wayanad received an average 113.33 mm rainfall on Tuesday whereas in Idukki, another district badly hit, several landslips were reported.
In the rain hit districts, power supply was disrupted as electric lines were damaged. Water level in the Thoduuzha town in Idukki and Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam rose as shutters of the Malankara dam were opened. This also caused inundation in the low-lying areas.
Heavy rains coupled with strong winds have been battering the state for two months.