The continuing showers have forced over 450 families in the northern region of the district to shift to relief camps opened by the authorities since Thursday night.
Cherthala taluk has bore the brunt of the rains, with all the 10 camps that were opened since last night being in this area. Camps had to be opened at Kuthiathode, Panavally, Pattanakad, Thycauttussery, Pallipuram and Kodanthuruth while the rising water-levels in the low-lying regions of the area, including Thuravur and Arookutty, could force more camps to be opened, officials said. There were reports of several houses being inundated in these low-lying areas.
District Collector P. Venugopal, who visited the affected areas on Friday morning, said the situation was being monitored round the clock. Arrangements were in place to provide food and medicines, if necessary, to the families that were shifted to the relief camps. All educational institutions in Cherthala taluk would remain closed on Friday, Mr. Venugopal said, adding that the district administration was placed on an alert.
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On the coastal belt, though no families had to be evacuated so far, the situation could change any moment with strong winds and the sea continuing to be rough. Fishermen have not ventured out onto the sea since last night. The coastal public has been warned of strong winds.