The flood situation in Alappuzha district turned worse on Thursday. Several places in Chengannur, Kuttanad, and Ambalapuzha taluks have been isolated following an alarming rise in the water level.
Several people stranded at homes have been rescued and shifted to relief camps. Officials, however, said an unknown number of people were still stuck at their homes and buildings in Chengannur and Kuttanad taluks and steps were being taken to rescue them. The areas including Chengannur, Pandanad, and Edanad have been completely isolated. The flood situation remains grim at Thiruvanvandoor, Vazhar, and Mangalam.
Standstill
In Kuttanad region, the life has come to a standstill for the second time in a month owing to floods.
People have started fleeing the region to safer places, leaving everything behind. Officials said steps had been taken to evacuate around 25,000 people from Veliyanad. Kainakary, Pulinkunnu, Chambakulam, Edathua, and Ramankary were badly affected.
An Indian Navy helicopter has been pressed into action to evacuate the stranded people in the region. The Indian Coast Guard (ICJ), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have also been deployed in the affected areas.
More than 200 relief camps and 483 gruel centres have been opened in different parts of the district for 1.25 lakh people.
District Collector S. Suhas has convened an emergency meeting of all department heads in the district and take stock of the situation.
Water level has risen in the region following heavy rains and after the shutters of the Kakki, Anathodu, and Kochu Pampa reservoirs, part of the Sabarigiri hydroelectric project, in Pathanamthitta district were opened.
Authorities have urged the people living near the riverbanks to exercise caution and comply with the directions issued by authorities. In case of an emergency, people should contact 1077, 0477- 2238630, and 2243721.
Holiday in Kottayam too
The District Collectors have declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on Friday.