Thrissur on alert as heavy monsoon rain triggers flooding and traffic chaos

Thrissur district in Kerala faced severe disruption on Saturday as relentless monsoon rain inundated low-lying areas, led to flooding on key roads, and prompted authorities to issue multiple warnings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a Red Alert for the district from 10 a.m., predicting extremely heavy rainfall along with strong winds reaching up to 50 kmph over the next three hours.

The downpour has raised water levels in several reservoirs in the region. A Blue Alert was declared at the Peringalkuthu Dam after its water level touched 421 metres, against the full reservoir level of 424 metres. With inflows rising rapidly due to the incessant rain, all crest gates of the dam have been opened, allowing excess water to flow into the Chalakudy River. Authorities have urged people living along the riverbanks, fishermen, and those working near the river to remain vigilant as water levels may rise further.

Similarly, the shutters of the Mangalam Dam were opened by five centimetres, raising concerns about increasing water levels in the Bharathapuzha river. The District Disaster Management Authority has advised residents living along the river, fishermen, and the public to avoid entering the river or spending time on its banks, and to strictly follow official safety instructions.

In Thrissur city, heavy rain crippled normal life. Severe waterlogging was reported at Sakthan Bus Stand, Post Office Road, Ekkanda Warrier Road, T.B. Road, and several low-lying stretches around Swaraj Round. Flooded roads brought traffic to a crawl, resulting in long snarls across the city. Authorities appealed to the public to avoid non-essential travel and advised commuters undertaking essential journeys to use safer alternative routes wherever possible.

The rain and strong winds also caused property damage in coastal and rural areas. At Thozhiyur near Guruvayur, a coconut tree snapped and crashed onto the house of Shibu Chattikkal, partially damaging the building. In another incident, a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on the house of Manikandan at Pazhanji, causing partial damage. His wife and children had stepped outside moments earlier, and no injuries were reported.

Waterlogging also disrupted traffic on the Guruvayur–Chavakkad Road, leaving motorists and pedestrians stranded as rainwater submerged stretches of the busy road.

With heavy rain forecast to continue, the district administration has urged residents to remain alert, avoid flood-prone areas, and strictly adhere to official advisories. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, and further updates will be issued as the weather evolves.