Heavy rain lashes central Travancore in Kerala, claims two lives and bring rivers near danger mark

Relentless showers have put several high-range villages on alert amid growing concerns of landslides. | Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

The central Travancore districts of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta in Kerala have been reeling under the impact of heavy rains over the past few days, leaving behind a trail of destruction and claiming two lives.

The fatalities were reported from Konni in Pathanamthitta and Erumely in Kottayam. In Konni, 41-year-old Praveen Sekhar was found dead on Sunday after he had gone missing the previous day with his motorcycle falling into a swollen stream. In Erumely, Muniswami (56) died after a tree uprooted and fell on him at the Cheruvally estate on Sunday.

Water levels in all major rivers across the region have been steadily rising since Saturday. The Meenachil and Manimala rivers are flowing close to the danger mark at several points. The Central Water Commission has issued a yellow alert for the Manimala and Achankovil rivers.

Meanwhile, relentless showers have put several high-range villages on alert amid growing concerns of landslides.

At Sabarimala, authorities have warned pilgrims against venturing into the Pampa river, which has witnessed a significant surge in water levels. Security personnel have been deployed at the bathing ghats around the Pampa-Thriveni base camp to ensure the safety of devotees. Though the rains have slowed down the movement of pilgrims, the pilgrimage continues without major disruption.

In Pathanamthitta, the torrential rains have also led to a significant rise in water levels at major reservoirs. At Kakki Dam, the water level has reached 963.19 metres, nearing its maximum level of 982.16 metres. The Pampa reservoir has crossed 970 metres. To manage the inflow, one shutter of the Moozhiyar dam too has been opened by 20 cm.

In Kottayam, district authorities have opened a relief camp in Changanassery, housing eight people from two families. Several houses in Kottayam and Vaikom taluks suffered partial damage due to strong winds that lashed the region late Sunday night.

In response to the ongoing inclement weather, the district collectors of both Kottayam and Pathanamthitta have declared a holiday on Monday for all educational institutions in their respective districts.

In Kozhikode, water level in Poonoor Puzha has risen above the warning level at two stations – Kunnamangalam and Koodathayi. People living on the banks have been asked to stay alert.

(with input from Kozhikode bureau)

Published - June 16, 2025 10:41 am IST