With the relentless rainfall showing no signs of letting up, the spectre of flooding returned to haunt Pathanamthitta on Thursday.
Water levels surged across all major rivers, including the Manimala, the Pampa and the Achencoil, prompting the Central Water Commission to issue a yellow alert for all three. With the Achencoil river nearing its danger mark, authorities arranged special safety measures for devotees performing bali tharpanam rituals at key locations like Kalleli and Konni.
Preparations are also under way to evacuate families in the event of flooding in the low-lying areas of the Upper Kuttanad region.
Significant inflow
The continuous downpour over the Sabarimala forests led to a significant inflow into the district’s dams. The water level in the Pampa reservoir climbed to 976.13 meters, edging closer to its full reservoir level of 986.33 meters. In the Kakki reservoir, the level reached 971.39 meters, with the total live storage now at 66.45%.
A red alert has been declared for the Moozhiyar dam, which recorded a water level of 191.30 meters, just shy of its full capacity of 192.63 meters. One of its three shutters remained open by 20 cm as of Thursday evening.
In neighbouring Kottayam, the incessant rainfall has swelled rivers and streams, with major rivers like the Meenachil witnessing a surge as runoff from the highlands flowed downstream.
Rising waters have also threatened to submerge several causeways across the region, including those at Pazhayidom, Arayanjilimon, and Kurumbanmoozhy. The forceful current has disrupted the functioning of several potable water supply projects in the region.
Threat of landslips
While western low-lying areas are bracing for potential flooding, the eastern high ranges are under the looming threat of landslips. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to stay alert and prepared.
The Kottayam district administration has opened a relief camp in Changanassery, currently sheltering nine people from two families.
Published – July 24, 2025 07:45 pm IST
