Kerala rains: Overnight rain swells rivers, heightens flood threat in central Travancore

Heavy rain that pounded central Travancore in Kerala through Sunday night caused the water levels in all major rivers across the region to rise sharply, triggering fresh flood fears in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

The Meenachil River rose by nearly three feet overnight, while the Pampa and Manimala rivers continued to swell following incessant rain. The Pampa once again breached its banks at Aranmula, prompting the authorities to evacuate more residents stranded in inundated houses. Officials have warned of the possibility of flash floods across the Pampa basin as the river continues to rise.

A red alert has been issued for the Moozhiyar dam on the Pampa. One of the dam’s shutters has been raised by 15 cm to regulate the inflow, and residents living along the Kakkiyar and Pampa rivers have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering the rivers.