Rivers Breach Banks in Central Travancore as Severe Rain Triggers Red Alerts
Intense overnight rainfall has pushed major river systems in Kerala beyond their safety limits, forcing evacuations and dam regulation. Authorities have halted Sabarimala pilgrimages and deployed extra rescue boats as floodwaters submerge key transport routes.
Key takeaways
- The Moozhiyar dam is under a red alert after water levels exceeded 191 metres, leading to the opening of a spillway shutter.
- Major flooding has submerged houses in Thiruvarppu, Kumarakom, and Aymanam while isolating the Muttar grama panchayat.
- Authorities have suspended the Sabarimala pilgrimage for Monday and deployed extra rescue boats from Kollam to assist stranded residents.
- The Meenachil River rose three feet overnight, and the Muvattupuzha River has surpassed its official warning mark.
Rising River Levels and Dam Management
Extreme precipitation across central Travancore has forced immediate hydrological interventions. The Moozhiyar dam on the Pampa river reached a critical level of 191 metres, nearing its maximum capacity of 192.10 metres, which prompted officials to issue a red alert. To manage the inflow, one shutter has already been opened by 15 cm. Authorities have signaled that further releases are likely if the torrential rains in the forest catchment areas do not subside. Meanwhile, the Muvattupuzha River has climbed past its warning threshold, and the Meenachil River surged by approximately three feet in a single night.
Evacuations and Logistics Impacts
The Pampa River has overflowed its banks at Aranmula, necessitating the removal of residents from flooded homes. To bolster these efforts, the government has dispatched additional fishing boats from Kollam to assist with emergency extractions. Travel has been severely restricted; pilgrims are prohibited from visiting Sabarimala this Monday. In Alappuzha, the Muttar grama panchayat in Edathua is currently isolated as all access roads are underwater. The Kottayam-Kumarakom-Vaikom road is also suffering from significant waterlogging, particularly at Illickal Junction.
Regional Flood Distribution
Residential areas across several villages are now battling rising waters. In Kottayam, flooding has affected homes in:
- Thiruvarppu and Kumarakom
- Aymanam and Arpookkara
- Kummanam, Thazhathangady, and Nattassery
The situation in Pathanamthitta remains precarious, specifically within the Upper Kuttanad region. Beyond surface flooding, the Pampa riverbank is experiencing active soil erosion, further complicating the safety profile for those living in the Pampa basin.
Source: The Hindu — National
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