Ernakulam DDMA holds emergency meeting

An emergency meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) was held on Thursday (June 26, 2025) afternoon after heavy rain caused a sharp rise in the water level of the Muvattupuzha river, inundating several vulnerable areas in Muvattupuzha town and its adjoining areas.

The meeting, chaired by District Collector N.S.K. Umesh and attended by representatives of various departments, reviewed the precautionary measures in place. Mr. Umesh, who also serves as the chairperson of the DDMA, said the district administration was fully prepared to deal with the challenges posed by the intense rain.

The Collector instructed the police, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Revenue department to remain on alert to ensure public safety. The water levels in both the Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers crossed flood warning levels on Thursday morning after the shutters of the Malankara dam were opened. The dam’s Executive Engineer has been directed to regulate the shutters based on the inflow.

Two affected families were shifted to a relief camp set up at a school in Vazhappilly. Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, DDMA Deputy Collector K. Manoj, and other elected representatives and officials attended the meeting.

The situation remains grim in North Paravur taluk, where relief camps have been opened at Kadungalloor and Kunnukara.

A section of the affected population has alleged that the shutters of the Peringalkuthu dam were opened without adequate warning. The situation worsened as floodwaters from the high ranges, which continue to receive heavy rainfall, raised river levels, further affecting people living along the banks.

“The authorities must remain alert as high tide is expected on Thursday night. People living along the Chalakkudy and Periyar river basins, especially in areas like Kunnukara and Puthenvelikkara—which were among the worst hit during the 2018 floods—should exercise caution,” said C.G. Madhusoodhanan, CEO of Equinoct, a Kochi-based community-sourced modelling solution provider.

Holiday declared

The District Collector has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, anganwadis, and tuition centres, in view of the heavy rain and strong winds forecast inthe district, which is under an orange alert for Friday (June 27, 2025).