Torrential rain pounds Thrissur; Orange alert in place as rough sea batters coast

Torrential rain continued to lash Thrissur district for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, prompting the authorities to issue an Orange alert, while rough seas battered the coastline, forcing families to move to safer places and triggering widespread precautionary measures.

The coastal belt bore the brunt of the inclement weather as the sea turned turbulent from Tuesday afternoon. Residents of Kappirikkad, Thangalpadi and Periyambalam said high waves continued to pound the shoreline, posing a serious threat to houses located close to the coast.

Several families shifted to the homes of relatives after seawater began surging towards residential areas. Coconut trees were uprooted at several places, while the compound wall of a beachside resort was washed away by the powerful waves. Sea erosion has intensified along vulnerable stretches, leaving residents anxious about further damage if the rough weather persists.

With heavy rain forecast to continue, District Collector Sikha Surednran, who is also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, directed all departments to step up preparedness measures.

The Collector warned that isolated extremely heavy rainfall, ranging between 115 mm and 204 mm in 24 hours, could trigger landslides, flash floods, waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas and a rise in river levels. Authorities were instructed to relocate residents from landslide-prone areas in the high ranges and other vulnerable locations if necessary.

Departments concerned were directed to ensure that waterlogging is prevented at National Highway, State Highway and other road construction sites, warning boards are prominently displayed, and hazardous road conditions are addressed without delay. Traffic restrictions may be imposed on roads vulnerable to landslides if heavy rain continues overnight.

The administration also directed all taluk and local body control rooms to function round the clock. Tourism authorities have been asked to issue safety advisories to visitors, while the Scheduled Tribes Development Department has been instructed to shift tribal families living in landslide-prone areas to safer locations if required.

Meanwhile, the district administration permitted the opening of the shutters of the Poomala dam after the water level neared its storage capacity.

As excess water released from the reservoir flows through the Malavayi stream into the Puzhakkal canal, residents of Mulamgunnathukavu and Kolazhy grama panchayats have been advised to remain vigilant.