Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala recorded 331% excess rainfall on Tuesday marking the second highest percentage departure from normal after Lakshadweep in the country. In Southern peninsula, Kerala’s figure of 8.45 cm was the highest on Tuesday followed by Lakshadweep(4.25) and Karnataka (2.25 cm). Between June 1st and July 16th, Kerala received normal rainfall showing a departure of 16 percent. During this period Kerala received actual rainfall measuring 83 cm while the normal rainfall is 99.2 cm. IMD officials have stated that the state is expected to record a four-time increase from the normal rainfall.
Six people lost their lives as heavy rain continued to lash Kerala for the third consecutive day. The downpour inundated low-lying areas, damaged houses and triggered mudslides in high ranges. Fire and rescue services personnel had their hands full removing uprooted trees that fell on busy roads due to strong wind, and rescuing people caught in rivers in spate.
In view of the heavy rain, tourist spots like Ilavizha Poonchira, Illikal Kallu and Marmala stream in Kottayam have been closed till Thursday. Night traffic has been banned on Erattupetta-Vagamon road. The ban on night traffic in Idukki will continue until the IMD withdraws the alert.
The KSEB has suffered substantial loss as over 1,000 electric posts were damaged by uprooted trees. The 220KV feeder lines of Lower Periyar and Brahmapuram projects have been switched off due to mudslide on the switch yard of Lower Periyar Hydro Power project. However, the mudslide has not affected its functioning.
“Heavy rains are expected in the next one week. An orange alert is being issued in districts of the state. In Idukki and Kottayam, the district administration has alerted that night travel is been banned and hence tourists are advised not to travel in those areas”, said Mini, senior official of the MET department.
Kerala recorded 331% excess rainfall on Tuesday marking the second highest percentage departure from normal after Lakshadweep in the country. In Southern peninsula, Kerala’s figure of 8.45 cm was the highest on Tuesday followed by Lakshadweep(4.25) and Karnataka (2.25 cm). Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
