Kerala rains highlights: Death toll rises to 30, four missing
Thirty people have been killed, including 11 in high range Idukki in landslips, in the torrential rains in Kerala. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the situation as “very grim” with army columns being deployed at Ayannkulu, Idukki and Wayanad.As water levels rise in various dams and reach almost their maximum capacity, shutters of at least 24 reservoirs in Kerala have been opened to drain out excess water. Four of the five shutters of the Idukki dam have been opened.Here are the live updates on Kerala rains:
7:50pm IST
IAF deploys helicopters, transport planes
The Indian Air Force said it had deployed five An-32 transport aircraft, two Mi-17 V5 helicopters and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) for rescue and relief operations in the rain-devastated parts of Kerala. Five An-32 transport aircraft were deployed to transport National Disaster Response Force teams and their equipment from Arakkonam to Calicut, an IAF spokesperson said.
7:43pm IST
Two columns of army requistioned for Aluva
Two columns of army have been requistioned for Aluva as the water from Idukki dam is expected to reach the region by 10-11 pm tonight: ANI.
7:30pm IST
Kerala rains death toll rises to 30
Death toll in Kerala rains has reached 30.
7:26pm IST
Kochi’s Aluva flooded as water level of Periyar river rises
#Kerala: Kochi's Aluva is flooded as water level of Periyar river has risen after 5 shutters of Idukki dam were opened today. Manappuram Sree Mahadeva Temple submerged in the flood. An Indian Coast Guard helicopter&Fire and rescue dept have been deployed for survey of the region. pic.twitter.com/sNcUHy6Zfh
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2018
7:05pm IST
10 teams of NDRF deployed
Ten teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in flood-affected areas of Palakkad, Ernakulum, Alappuzha, Idukki, Wayanad and Kozhikode for prompt response to any eventualities, says NDRF: ANI.
6:50pm IST
CPI asks Centre to declare Kerala floods national calamity
The urged the union government to declare Kerala floods as a “national calamity” and enlist the services of the armed forces for rescue and relief operations.
“This is a national tragedy. I request the government to proclaim it as a national tragedy and rush assistance to the people of Kerala immediately,” Binoy Viswam, a Communist Party of India leader from Kerala said while raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha.
6:30pm IST
Things under control, says district collector of Idukki
“Yesterday (Thursday) at 12:30 we had opened one shutter after 26 years. So 50,000 ltres/sec water was sent out. Yesterday night even though we planned not to continue the process, we had to do that because the level of water was going up,” says Jeevan Kumar,district collector of Idukki.
“Today morning by 7 am we increased shutter strength and the water was discharged to 120 cumecs by 12;30 we had to increase to 300 cumecs. Now we have ordered to increase it to 600 cumecs. Things are under control,” he adds.
6:00pm IST
Death toll rises to 29, four missing
With two more deaths being reported, the state government said the death toll in Kerala rains has reached 29 with four still missing.
5:40pm IST
Army rescues 57 tourists from Munnar resort
The army rescued 57 tourists, including 24 foreigners, who were stranded in a resort in Munnar after the roads to the resort got blocked due to a landslide.
5:30pm IST
Puducherry CM assures all help to rain-hit Kerala
Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy spoke over phone to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan and assured him of all help to tackle the situation there in the wake of torrential rains.
4:15pm IST
CM asks for contribution to relief fund
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan makes an appeal for contribution to his relief fund.
3:41pm IST
10,000 people shifted along Periyar river bank
10,000 people living along the along the banks of Periyar river have been shifted.
3:38pm IST
Navy on alert as Periyar water levels rise
The Indian Navy has put on alert its Southern Naval Command in view of the rising water level in the Periyar river and a possible inundation of parts of Wellingdon Island surrounded by the backwaters of Kochi.
The Wellingdon Island, part of Kochi city, houses strategic facilities, including the Southern Naval Command and Cochin Port Trust.
The Southern Naval Command is geared up to contribute to community kitchens.
3:29pm IST
Red alert in Idukki till August 13, in Ernakulam till Saturday
State disaster management authority announces red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Wayanad till August 14. Red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Idukki till August 13. Red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode August 11.
3:13pm IST
Stay away from banks of Periyar: Disaster management authority
People should restrain from entering into the river or going close to Periyar, Kerala state disaster management authority said. The agency has warned people against crossing the river.
2:54pm IST
Ernakulam on high alert, 4000 people evacuated
Kochi in Kerala’s Ernakulam district is bracing for floods as the water level in the Periyar River went up after the all sluice gates of the Idukki reservoir were opened. Authorities have closed schools and offices.
“We are on a high alert. At least 4,000 people living in low-lying areas have been evacuated to relief camps. We have closed all educational institutions in affected areas,” said Ernakulam district collector Mohamed Safirulla. Read more
2:41pm IST
Status of Idukki dam
Water released from Idukki dam has risen to 5 lakh litres per second. All five shutters of the dam have been opened for the first time in 40 years.
2:25pm IST
Idukki’s Cheruthoni town evacuated
People in Cheruthoni town have been evacuated. The bridge in the town, connecting north and south Idukki district, has been flooded due to incessant heavy rainfall in the region.
2:22pm IST
Periyar Tiger Reserve faces flood threat
Periyar Tiger Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary in Idukki, faces a flood threat. Idukki is home to two wildlife parks - Periyar and Eravikulam.
2:15pm IST
Rajnath Singh to survey of flood-affected areas
Home minister Rajnath Singh will do an aerial survey of the flood affected areas on Sunday.
2:07pm IST
Worst flood in Kerala’s history: KJ Alphons
“Worst flood in history of Kerala,” says Union tourism minister KJ Alpons. The Centre is closely monitoring developments in the state and will provide all help, he said.
1:57pm IST
5th shutter of Idukki dam opened
The fifth shutter of the Idukki dam has been opened. Now water is being released at 2.5 lakh litres per second.
1:53pm IST
60 people stranded at Munnar resort
Around 60 people are stranded in a resort in Munnar after the roads to the resort got blocked due to a landslide, reports news agency ANI.
1:34pm IST
Offices in Ernakulam, Thrissur to be closed by afternoon
Offices in Ernakulam and Thrissur will be closed by afternoon as a precautionary measure. Dam water released from Idamalayar is expected to affect places in Ernakulam and its nearby areas.
1:23pm IST
Kerala CM fully satisfied with Central govt’s assistance: Rajnath
I spoke to Kerala CM, he is fully satisfied with the assistance of the Central government and he has told me that every department is cooperating well. If he needs any other assistance he will inform me: Rajnath Singh
1:09pm IST
Death toll rises to 27
One more death reported from Kozhikode, taking the total death toll to 27.
1:07pm IST
Fourth shutter of Idukki dam opened
Fourth shutter of Idukki dam opened. Only one shutter of the dam remains closed now.
12:59pm IST
Nehru Trophy Boat Race postponed
Kerala’s famed Nehru Trophy Boat Race, due to be held on August 11, was postponed due to heavy rains.
12:55pm IST
Centre will provide all help to Kerala: Rajnath Singh
Centre will provide all help to Kerala to deal with the unprecedented floods, home minister Rajnath Singh said.
12:43pm IST
Navy carries out relief operations in Wayanad
#SAR and #FloodRelief in progress by Navy Seaking 42C #OpMadad in Wayanad, Kerala post heavy rains and flash floods @DefenceMinIndia @IAF_MCC @adgpi @PMOIndia @SpokespersonMoD @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/6AMaCKXGzm
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 10, 2018
12:32pm IST
Chennithala asks Kerala govt to cancel Onam celebrations
State opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala asks Kerala government to drop Onam celebrations in view of the floods.
12.21pm IST
Pamba dam gates opened in Kerala
Kerala opens Pamba dam gates as well. Twenty-four reservoirs have been opened in the state so far to deal with the torrential downpour.
12:03pm IST
Water released from Idukki dam may increase by 3 times: Pinarayi
In a Facebook post, CM Pinarayi said relief operations by the Army, Navy, NDRF and Coast Guard were in full swing. “As the water levels in Idukki dam rise, we will have to open the shutters of the dam to release water. More than three times of the water being released now may have to be released. In such a circumstance, the water levels of Periyar river will rise.”
The chief minister said he has instructed to alert the people living in downstream areas with the help of announcements. He has also instructed to relocate people living in vulnerable areas.
11:43am IST
Thunderstorms likely in Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Wayanad districts
IMD bulletin at 8 am said thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely to affect Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts.
#Kerala: Two more shutters of Idukki dam were opened today morning, increasing the water flow into Periyar river to 125 cuses (1,25,000 ltres/sec); Visuals from Idduki dam and Idukki Dam catchment area pic.twitter.com/r3hGFUOgW4
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2018
11:25am IST
CM cancels all his programmes till Aug 12
CM Pinarayi Vijayan cancels all his programmes till August 12 and will remain in state capital to lead the coordination of rain relief efforts.
11:06am IST
241 relief camps opened, 15,695 people shifted from low-lying areas
According to PTI’s state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas. Over 5,500 people from Wayanad district, where a red alert had been sounded yesterday, have been shifted to relief camps, the sources said this morning.
In Ernakulam, 3,456 people have been shifted to camps following floods after 4 shutters of the Idamalayar dam were opened yesterday
10:46am IST
Idukki water level at 2401.34 feet
Idukki water level reached 2401.34 feet at 10am with hourly gross inflow of 823 cusecs, the Kerala disaster management authority said.
10:36am IST
CM holds meeting to review the situation
CM Pinarayi Vijayan is holding a meeting with top revenue and police officials to review the situation.
10:21am IST
Idukki received 100 mm rain in the last 24 hours
Idukki has received 100 mm rain in the last 24 hours.The South-west monsoon has been vigorous over Kerala resulting in heavy rains in various parts of the state since the past two days.
Visuals from Idukki as heavy rain continues to lash #Kerala. Two more shutters of Idukki dam were opened today morning, increasing the water flow into Periyar river to 125 cuses (1,25,000 ltres/sec) pic.twitter.com/9B6DB2PzXt
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2018
10:05am IST
Periyar river water flow increases to 125 cusecs
With two more shutters of Idukki dam opened on Friday morning, the water flow into Periyar river increased to 125 cusecs (1,25,000 ltres/sec).
10:03am IST
Water level in Idamalayar dam under control: Minister
“Water level in Idamalayar dam is under control. So we can open remaining two more shutters of Idukki. But our main concern is it will lead to more water downstream,” said state power minister MM Mani. The minister is camping in Idukki.
9:53am IST
Drinking water distribution affected in Kochi
Drinking water distribution affected in Kochi as sludge creeps into water pumping unit in Aluva.
9:44am IST
Heavy goods vehicles banned in Idukki: CMO
The CMO announced that a ban has been imposed on the movement of heavy goods vehicles and tourist vehicles in the high ranges of Idukki. The decision was taken on account of unabated rains in the area.
9:42am IST
Idamalayar dam water level at 169.18 metres
At 8 am, the water level at Idamalayar dam was 169.18 metres.
9:37am IST
Army rescues 30 stranded tourists in Munnar
Army rescues 30 tourists stranded in Munnar. As dam water gushes to downstream, restriction likely in Cochin international airport.
9:27am IST
Dam water expected to reach Ernakulam district in 2 hours
“We are keeping utmost vigil in Ernakulam as dam water is expected to reach downstream in two hours,” said state revenue minister E chandrasekharan, who is camping in Aluva.
9:02am IST
60 relief camps opened in Ernakulam, dam water reaches Aluva
60 relief camps opened in ernakulam district as dam water reach aluva and surrounding areas. Many small villages in cheruthoni submerged.
8:47am IST
Karnataka rushes relief materials to Kerala, agrees to release 75,000 cusecs of water from Kabini reservoir
Karnataka is rushing ₹10 crore worth relief materials to Kerala. “Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy directed state Chief Secretary TM Vijaya Bhaskar to rush relief materials and a team of doctors to Kerala, reeling under heavy rains and flash floods,” said the statement.
On Kerala’s request, the state government has also agreed to release 75,000 cusecs of water from Kabini reservoir in Mysuru districts to tackle the flash floods caused by excessive backwaters across the border in Kerala. As one of the tributaries, Kabini originates in the Waynad district and flows eastward to join the Cauvery river at T Narasipura in Karnataka.
8:27am IST
Idukki dam water level crosses 2401 feet
The total capacity of Idukki dam, Asia’s biggest arch dam, is 2403 feet and the water level has now crossed 2401 feet. What is really worrying is there is no let up in rain in catchment areas and water is flowing to the reservoir with more speed than the quantity of water getting released, an official said.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” said state power minister M M Mani, hailing from Idukki.
8:18am IST
Army, Navy and NDRF deployed
The Army has deployed three columns comprising about 75 personnel each in Ayannkulu, Idukki and Wayanad. Two more columns have been requisitioned and moved to Kozikode and Mallapuram.
Three teams of NDRF are in Kozhikode, the chief minister’s office said. A 48-member strong team is expected to reach Wayanad today morning. A team of 28 members will go to Malappuram, While another 28 members of NDRF will concentrate their work in Kozhikode.
Another 3 teams of NDRF reached Palakkad on Thursday night, of which 28 members will focus on disaster management efforts in Palakkad and a 48-member team will go to Idukki.
A 15 member NDRF team has been brought to Wayanad in a helicopter.
A 15-member team of Navy is in Malappuram while another 5 members are in Wayanad. A team from Ezhimala Naval academy will be in Wayanad.
8:02am IST
US issues advisory to its citizens
The US issued an advisory, asking its citizens not to visit Kerala because of the flash floods in the state. In the advisory, the US said the heavy southwest monsoon rains triggered landslides and floods in the state, and American citizens should avoid visiting all affected areas in the state.
“Avoid all areas throughout Kerala affected by landslides and flash floods,” it read.
7:58am IST
CM Pinarayi calls emergency cabinet meeting
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has called an emergency cabinet in the morning. The situation is grave, a senior revenue official told HT.
7:55am IST
Vehicular movement restricted in Idukki
Vehicular movement restricted in Idukki. Authorities have urged people to remain at high locations.
7:52am IST
Two more shutters of Idukki dam opened
Two more shutters of Idukki dam were opened on Friday morning, 18 hours after the first shutter was opened around 12pm on Thursday . A high alert has been issued in Kochi and surrounding areas as water gushes downstream. The army and navy have been deployed to help local administration.
The Idukki dam is now releasing 1.50 lakh litres per second. The catchment area received 100 mm rain on Thursday night.
7:45am IST
Death toll rises to 26, heavy rains forecast
Death toll in the rain and floods rise to 26. There is no let up in the rain and flash floods. The Kerala meteorological department has forecast rains to continue on Friday and return on Monday.
