Several Dams Opened as Kerala Floods Claim 26 Lives

Incessant rains continue to hit many parts of Kerala. The Army, Navy, Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are currently working on the relief and rescue operations.

The state of Kerala is still under high alert with rains continuing to pound many parts of the state at night. This is the first time in decades that the state has witnessed such high amounts of rainfall. The gates of 22 dams in Kerala had to be opened due to swelling water levels. For the first time in 26 years, the gates of the Idukki water reservoir were also opened to combat the floods. All the five shutters of the Cheruthoni dam which are also part of the Idukki reservoir have been opened due to water levels crossing 2,400 feet. Anticipating drastic rise in water levels after the opening of dams, evacuation of families to safer places is under progress.

Rescue operations in full swing

So far 26 people have lost their lives which include 11 people who lost their lives to the Idukki landslip. Several people are reportedly missing from Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Video footage reveals many parts of the state as well as houses submerged under water. Landslides which have claimed numerous precious lives are said to be the major cause of concern for locals. In Mallapuram, the incessant rains engulfed a road which was captured live on camera. There are many rain-related destructions in many parts of the state and as of now, three red alerts have been issued.

The Coast Guard, the three defense forces and the ten teams of the NDRF are involved in the rescue operations. The Navy has sent 4 diving teams and also a helicopter. Six teams from the NDRF have described the situation in Kerala as serious. Police teams are traveling by boats in areas where water levels are high, in search of locals and villagers who might be in danger. Schools and colleges in many parts of the state such as Kozhikode, Wayanad, Palakkad, parts of Idukki, Malappuram and Kollam districts will remain closed till the situation is better. On Wednesday, the domestic and international terminals at Kochi airport were suspended for two hours as there were high chances of the runway getting flooded. The US consulate in Chennai has advised Americans to avoid places that are affected by the floods. Despite the heavy downpour, bus services are still operating in Idukki.

Government authorities give assurance

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured people that there is nothing to panic about. Rescue teams are in place to ensure that there is help in case of unfortunate mishaps. The State Disaster Relief Management has been on ground, giving information to people about the situation on a regular basis. The locals in the state were already warned and prepared about the upcoming situation days in advance. Officials are saying that there is no reason to panic right now. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister yesterday and promised to offer all assistance.

Union Minister KJ Alphons who belongs to Kerala has said that this is the first time ever Kerala has witnessed such an enormous amount of rain. He was quoted by news agency ANI “It is the biggest rain we had in 50 years.” Another resident of Idukki told NDTV “The last time I saw such heavy rain in Idukki was about 32 years ago. Everyone is scared.”