Thrissur Faces Heavy Rain and Rough Seas; Orange Alert Issued
Thrissur district experienced heavy rainfall for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, leading authorities to issue an Orange alert. Rough sea conditions along the coast prompted several families to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
The coastal areas of Kappirikkad, Thangalpadi and Periyambalam reported high waves hitting the shoreline, raising concerns for houses near the coast. Some families relocated to relatives' homes after seawater approached residential areas. Incidents of uprooted coconut trees and damage to a beachside resort's compound wall were reported. Sea erosion intensified along vulnerable stretches, with residents worried about further damage if the weather continues.
District Collector Sikha Surendran, who also chairs the District Disaster Management Authority, directed all departments to enhance preparedness. The Collector warned that isolated extremely heavy rainfall, between 115 mm and 204 mm in 24 hours, could cause landslides, flash floods, waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas, and rising river levels. Authorities were instructed to relocate residents from landslide-prone areas if needed.
Departments were asked to prevent waterlogging at National Highway, State Highway and other road construction sites, display warning boards prominently, and address hazardous road conditions promptly. Traffic restrictions may be imposed on roads vulnerable to landslides if heavy rain continues overnight.
The administration directed all taluk and local body control rooms to operate round the clock. Tourism authorities were asked to issue safety advisories to visitors, and the Scheduled Tribes Development Department was instructed to shift tribal families living in landslide-prone areas to safer locations if necessary.
Meanwhile, the district administration allowed the opening of shutters of the Poomala dam after water levels neared storage capacity. Excess water flows through the Malavayi stream into the Puzhakkal canal. Residents of Mulamgunnathukavu and Kolazhy grama panchayats were advised to remain vigilant.
