Periyar waters submerge Kochi

Kochi: With the release of water from Idukki and Edamalayar reservoirs, the water level of Periyar rose by nearly two meters overnight as hundreds of families living on river banks at Aluva, Eloor and North Paravur regions were shifted to temporary relief camps on Thursday.

Over 2,300 people were accommodated in 38 relief camps opened in various parts of the district as on Thursday evening as the water level continued to rise inundating more low-lying areas.

The flood waters began to enter houses at localities like Kuttikkattukara and Bosco colony in Eloor, Karakkaturuth in Paravur and Kanjoor and Chembakassery in Aluva by 7 a.m. Fire Force personnel deployed tube boats to remove stranded people, including women and children, from houses as the situation turned worse by noon.

The relief camp at Kanjoor St Sebastian High School houses the maximum 454 people from 166 families. The district collector declared a holiday for all educational institutions functioning at Kothamangalam, Kunnattunadu, Aluva, Paravur taluks besides Kadamakudi grampanchayat.

“The service of a medical officer in each of the camps is ensured. The inhabitants are being provided with medicine, food and other necessary materials. Charge officers have also been deployed to co-ordinate the functioning of the relief camps,” said Collector Muhammed Y. Safirullah, who visited flood hit areas like Manappuram, Chovara, Chengaltodu, Chelamattom, Kalady, Peumbavur, Kuttikattukara, Varappuzha, Methanam and Purapillikavu among others.

“The intensity this time is much higher than the 2013 floods. The water level is still rising as on Thursday night and nearly 400 families in localities like Kuttikattukara, Kizhakumbhagam, Muppatadam, and Bosco Colony have been shifted to relief camps,” said Eloor Chairperson C P Usha said.

People were seen using bronze vessels to rescue stranded people in areas like Kizhakumbhagam. The Kerala Water Authority was forced to stop water supply in a majority of areas after turbidity level of Periyar river increased significantly.

The Police and Fire Force personnel were deployed in strength for night patrolling at low-lying areas for rescue and relief works during the night with the water level continuing to rise.