Heavy rainfall persists in Central Kerala: Authorities issue warnings

Kochi: On Tuesday, torrential rains pounded central Kerala, leading officials to issue advisories for residents impacted by waterlogging and close educational institutions in the affected districts as the weatherman warned that the severe forecast is likely to last for the next two days.

Authorities said they have warned residents in the impacted areas and are making plans to evacuate them in case of an emergency.

A video doing rounds on social media showed waterlogging in many parts of Kochi city, some towns and villages in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts, making life miserable for the people living there.

Heavy rains and waterlogging have delayed 'Athachamayam' celebrations in Tripunithura near here, heralding the start of the 10-day 'Onam' festivities in Kerala.

District collectors have declared holidays for schools in flood-hit taluks in many central districts of the state.

Water level rose in Kuttanad, the rice bowl of coastal Alappuzha district, as the rivers flowing through the region breached its territory in many places.

In its latest advisory, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said one or two places in the districts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Kottayam will receive heavy rains today.

A rise in water level in many rivers has been reported as the hilly regions of central Kerala have been receiving heavy rains for the past few days.

Five members of a family had lost their lives after a landslide, triggered by heavy rains, hit their house in a village near Thodupuzha in the Idukki district in the small hours of Monday.

(With PTI inputs)