Heavy rain that lashed Ernakulam district threw normal life out of gear on Tuesday evening.
Fears about rising water level in the Idukki hydel reservoir system and Mullaperiyar dam triggered anxiety among Kochiites even as the district administration assured the public that all efforts will be made to ensure the safety of people living along the Periyar.
Flood situation turned worse by evening following heavy rain. The number of people who were shifted to relief camps went up by 8 a.m. following incessant rain and the increase in discharge of water from Cheruthoni and Idamalayar dams.
Many in Puthenvelikara near North Paravur were shifted to relief camps following the increase in water level in the Periyar by 11 p.m. Army personnel were called in for rescue operations in the area.
There are now 18 relief camps in the district, accommodating 873 people. The number would go up if the flood situation worsens, said officials of the Revenue Department.
About 240 personnel of the Fire and Rescue Services Department have been deployed along the low-lying areas close to the Periyar to meet any emergency. By 10 p.m. on Tuesday, nearly 140 persons belonging to Vengoor in Perumbavoor were shifted to relief camps.
The district administration received a directive from the Chief Secretary stating that people living close to the Periyar banks should comply with the directions issued by the District Collector and move to relief camps. A high alert was issued after the authorities informed the public that water discharge from Idamalayar dam has been increased to 600 cumecs. People in the district living near the banks of the Periyar should remain alert, they said.
Normal life in Kochi city was severely affected by Tuesday evening following heavy rain.
