Heavy rains in Kerala, Gujarat: Rivers, dams swell, flood-like conditions in many districts as IMD issue alert

Kerala is on high alert as heavy rainfall and strong winds across the state have led to a rise in the water levels of various rivers and dams, triggering flood-like conditions in many districts.

The Indian Meteorological Department put up a bulletin on Saturday that said heavy rainfall is to be expected for the next five days, from July 27 to 30. The notice also said that "Extremely Heavy Rainfall," that is around 204.4 mm of rain, is to be expected within the next 24 hours. 

The IMD issued an orange alert for Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. A yellow alert has been issued in Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thrissur, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. Wind speeds are expected to be lower from July  28 to 30 to somewhere between 40-50 kmph.

The alerts have been raised due to a depression that has formed over Madhya Pradesh.  

Authorities have also issued warnings in several districts to residents who live downstream from rivers. People living close to river banks have been advised not to go into the water bodies.  Homes were damaged by uprooted trees, and the power supply was cut in many areas in the state.

In Wayanad, the Banasura Sagar dam shutters were opened around 85 cm in the morning to release around 100 cubic feet per second due to the heavy rains in the catchment area, according to the district administration. All three shutters of the Moozhiyar reservoir, Pathanamtittha, were opened after water levels rose above the limits of 190 meters.

A fisherman went missing in Palakkad district early on Sunday, and Search and Rescue personnel launched a search operation for the man. Another Palakkad man, a farmer, died after coming into contact with a broken power line, according to reports.

 

The IMD also issued warnings in Rajasthan and Gujarat for extremely heavy rainfall for the next 7 days. Flood-like conditions and waterlogging were reported in several parts of the state. A red alert has been issued in several districts. Kakoshi village and Mamwada village of Sidhpur, Gujarat, were flooded due to heavy rains acccording to TV9 Gujarath. Houses in the village have flooded, and in some parts, villagers had to be rescued with tractors.

 

India