Kerala floods: Many areas in Kumarakom still under water

KOTTAYAM: Low-lying western areas in the district are some of the most affected regions. Operation to rescue the marooned residents in Kumarakom, Vaikom and Changanassery is being led by the NDRF teams.

Those stranded in Kumarakom were shifted to camps in Kottayam town. Though water level has receded in several places, low lying areas are still inundated. Several relief camps in Kumarakom, Thiruvarppu and Aymanam were also flooded.

Areas like Eranjal, Nattassery and Parambuzha have also been affected.

Around 411 relief camps function in the district, accommodating 98,175 people from 27,261 families. Nearly 193 camps are functioning in Kottayam taluk.

District Collector have urged people to bring drinking water to the camps in 20 litre jars. At present water is being supplied in one litre bottles which is causing difficulties.

The district administration has dismissed the rumours of fuel shortage.

Vehicular traffic on Kottayam-Eranjal-Parambuzha-Thiruvanchoor road was disrupted. The floodwater from MC Road in Nagambadom was removed.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people from Kuttanad were rescued and taken to Changanassery boat jetty. They have been shifted to various camps in the town. Several people stranded on the either side of Alappauzha-Changanassery road were brought to Perunna in Torres trucks.

Thalayolaprambu-Vaikom road is still waterlogged. Water level on AC road and Kottayam-Kumarakom road has increased. Kurian Uthup road also remains under water.

Meanwhile, rail traffic via Kottayam resumed on Sunday. However, it will take several days for the traffic to be restored to normal, informed authorities. Venad express will operate till Ernakulam. Ernakulam- Kayamkulam passenger has extended its service till Kollam.

Other trains which will operate via Kottayam are Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram Vanchinad, Kollam-Ernakulam memu, Ernakulam-Kollam memu, Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram special, Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam special and Ernakulam-Kayamkulam-Kollam memu.