Heavy rains: Karamana river likely to breach banks, risk of flooding in Thiruvananthapuram

With heavy rains likely to continue for the remainder of the month, low lying areas of Thiruvananthapuram are under threat of flooding.

Due to heavy rain in the catchment area, five shutters of the Aruvikkara Dam have been opened. With this, the water level of the Karamana river is expected to rise further. Authorities have urged people living on its banks and its tributaries Killyar and Chittar to be cautious.

On Friday, incessant rain saw Killiyar river that flows through the city overflowing, leaving Thekkumoodu and Nedumangad inundated with water. Chittar river too broke its banks.

Widespread crop damages have also been reported in nearby areas. Cotton and shrubbery farms were also waterlogged. In Anad panchayat and areas near Bund road, water seeped into shops and houses causing severe losses.

Rescue efforts are now underway and people are being evacuated from their homes.

Alert in seven districts

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that there will be widespread rain in Kerala this week.

The State Disaster Management Authority has issued an alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kollam and Thrissur districts.

With lightning storms and high winds likely, fishermen have been advised to not venture out into the sea.