A year after the devastating deluge, Kerala is once again being battered by heavy rains with landslips and floods wreaking havoc claiming 17 lives. In Malappuram district, four members of a family, including two children, were killed when their house collapsed on Friday morning.
Flight operations at the international airport have been suspended till Sunday 3 pm as floodwaters inundated the apron area (parking area), authorities said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday night held a meeting with government and State Disaster Management Authority officials, and said a serious situation prevails in parts of the state, especially in Wayanad. The evaluation meeting was held following a major landslide hit the Meppadi area of Wayanad.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who represents the Wayanad parliamentary constituency, spoke to Pinarayi Vijayan over the grim flood situation in the state. Rahul said he had to postpone his visit to Wayanad as he was informed that the flood relief work would be affected.
"The people of Wayanad, my Lok Sabha constituency, are in my thoughts and prayers as they battle raging floodwaters. I was to travel to Wayanad, but I've now been advised by officials that my presence will disrupt relief operations. I'm awaiting their OK to travel," Rahul tweeted.
Munnar, a tourist destination in Idukki district, has been receiving heavy rains with the IMD recording 19.4 cm rainfall as per the latest report.
The opposition Congress has pledged full support to the government in rescue efforts. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala demanded supply of free ration to those who have lost their jobs and livelihood in the rains and the same was accepted by the government. He also urged government to take steps to save residents in Kuttanadu, known as the rice bowl of Kerala.
Earlier on Thursday, flight operations were suspended for four hours till midnight as a precautionary measure in view of heavy rains. Flights coming to the airport have been diverted, a CIAL spokesperson said without elaborating.
The operations were suspended as there was a rise in water levels in Periyar river and a canal adjacent to the airport.
The floods in August 2018 had rendered the airport non-functional for a fortnight. Airport infrastructure was damaged in the floods, with an estimated loss of Rs 220-250 crore.
Emergency contact numbers at the airport: 0484 3053500, 9072604009
Situation serious in Wayanad
As per the IMD reports, Mananthavady in Wayanad District received over 250mm rainfall on Thursday.
A temple, a church, a few houses and some vehicles have been buried under the mud and several people are feared missing.
"A part of the hill was gone in the landslide. We are unable to assess the gravity of the destruction. We have requested the Army for a chopper that can fly in the night for rescue operation. But incessant rains are causing hindrance," Vijayan said after meeting with government and State Disaster Management Authority officials.
Kalpetta MLA C K Saseendran said the landslide site is inaccessible due to cave-ins along the road. He said he has requested Vijayan to seek the Army's assistance for rescue operations.
The chief minister said the various areas in Malappuram has been flooded and cut-off. He urged those residing in flood-prone areas to follow government instructions and move to relief camps.
"13,000 people are in camps across the state. Some people were reluctant to move out of their house. I would like to request them to not hesitate and shift to relief camps," Vijayan said.
During the devastating floods in the state last year, reports had said many in central Kerala were unwilling to move to safer places and were trapped there for days.
(With inputs from PTI)
