Ernakulam Rivers Cross Warning Mark as Heavy Rains Lash Kerala District

Heavy rainfall in Ernakulam district of Kerala on Sunday night and Monday morning caused water levels in major rivers to rise above warning marks. The district administration issued an alert to residents living along the Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha, and Kaliyar rivers as the water levels continued to increase.

The Muvattupuzha River recorded a water level of 12.42 metres, surpassing the critical mark of 11.93 metres in the morning. The Thodupuzha River stood at 12.37 metres, above its critical level of 11.79 metres. The Kaliyar River was also in spate, with its water level reaching 13.41 metres, though this was still below the critical mark of 14.1 metres. Meanwhile, the water level in the Periyar remained below the warning level in the morning.

The critical mark is a threshold set by authorities to indicate when a river may overflow into nearby areas. Crossing this mark suggests a heightened risk of flooding, especially in low-lying regions along the riverbanks.

The district administration's alert specifically asked people living in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and be prepared to move to safer places if necessary. This comes after the sky remained almost clear for several hours before the rainfall intensified on Sunday night, leading to a sudden rise in water levels.

Eastern parts of the district, including Kothamangalam, were affected by heavy downpour throughout the night, reviving concerns about flooding. The Manikandanchal causeway across the Pooyamkutty River, which serves as a critical connection between interior tribal hamlets and villages such as Manikandanchal and Kallelimedu and the mainland, was submerged following heavy rains on Saturday night.

The submergence has cut off a key route for residents in those areas, affecting their movement to nearby towns. Local authorities have advised people to avoid using the causeway until the water recedes and to follow directions from the administration.

Kerala, located in the southern part of India, has a history of receiving high rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September. Ernakulam, with its network of rivers and waterways, often faces such warnings during periods of intense rain. These rivers are major sources of water for irrigation and drinking water in the district, but they can also pose a risk during heavy rains.

The district administration said it is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with the irrigation department and local bodies. Residents have been urged to stay alert and report any emergencies to the nearest authorities. The administration is also reviewing the water level data regularly and will issue further updates as the situation evolves.