Monsoon intensifies in Kerala; landslides hit several parts of state

The central Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in Kerala till August 4 with orange alert being issued in various districts in the week ahead.

Thiruvananthapuram: After a brief break, the monsoon season in the state intensified after heavy rains were recorded in Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kottayam district on Sunday. Meanwhile, landslides and flash floods hit several parts of the state. Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Warden informed that Neyyar, Kottoor and Peppara eco-tourism centres of Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division will remain closed from Monday until further notice due to an orange alert. Several houses in Kottayam were flooded after a landslide hit the hilly areas.

Meanwhile, there are reports that tourists are trapped in Ponmudi. Earlier, IMD had forecasted Vehicles returning from the waterfalls were trapped on one side due to turbulent water flow in the stream. It is learnt that some locals managed to help some tourists cross the stream despite rising water hindering other rescue approaches.

Thiruvananthapuram district collector has asked people to stay alert and avoid entering lakes, ponds, and other water bodies. Further, people were discouraged from visiting sea shores. Please avoid unnecessary travel during nighttime, the collector added.

The central Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in Kerala till August 4 with orange alert being issued in various districts in the week ahead.