Flood of woes in parts of Thiruvananthapuram

One of the 6 shutters of Aruvikkara reservoir opened to 80 cm

People stranded in their homes at Kannamoola that were flooded on Saturday following torrential rain remain flooded.

The district witnessed heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in widespread damage in various parts on Saturday.

Many low-lying areas in the capital city witnessed flooding for several hours. According to official statistics, 84 houses have been damaged in the district in the inclement weather during the last two days.

Of these, six houses – three in Kattakkada and one each in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram and Varkala taluks – have been fully destroyed.

Seven relief camps functioned in the district. The district administration closed a camp that functioned in Vilavoorkkal.

Rail traffic

Rail traffic was disrupted for a short while after the heavy rains triggered a mudslide in Balaramapuram during the early hours of the day. Train services were reinstated within a few hours after the railway track was cleared of the debris and mud that fell on it.

Many parts of the city including Thampanoor, SS Kovil Road and Vellayambalam witnessed flooding, inconveniencing the public and disrupting traffic.

The floodwaters began to recede by noon with the rain staying away later in the day.

One of the six shutters of the Aruvikkara reservoir was opened to 80 cm with heavy rain lashing the catchment areas during the last two days, thereby increasing the inflow.

The shutters were raised with the water level closed in to the permitted water storage level of 46.6 metres.

The district authorities were alerted by the Kerala Water Authority prior to raising the shutters, following which a general alert was issued for people residing on the banks of the Karamana river.

There has also been a significant flow of water to the Peppara dam in which the water level has risen to 104.15 metres. None of the four shutters of the reservoir, which has a permitted storage level of 107.5 metres, were opened thus far.

The water level in the Neyyar dam, which has a full reservoir level of 84.75 metres, stood at 81.5 metres. All of its spillway shutters remained closed.

The district authorities were contemplating opening the shutters of the reservoir when the water level rose to 83.25 metres to maintain an optimum level.

Quarrying banned

The District Disaster Management Authority has issued orders to prohibit mining and the functioning of quarries in the district on account of the inclement weather.