Kerala's Munnar and Wayanad, which are major tourist hubs in the state, have been experiencing heavy rain and landslides since last night. Thirty-one people have died in the landslides in Wayanad and the Army will reach the district soon for relief operations. Two doctors from Odisha, who were lodged in a homestay at Mundakkai Town, have also gone missing. Kerala has opened control rooms at various places in Wayanad and the contact numbers are:
Toll-free number - 1077
District emergency operations centre - 04936204151, 9562804151m 8078409770
Sulthan Bathery Taluk Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) - 04936223355, 623841385
Manathavady TEOC - 04935241111, 9446637748
Vythiri TEOC - 04936256100, 8590842965, 9447097705
The numbers for emergency medical assistance are 8086010833 and 9656938689.
Landslips across Munnar
The Pooppara-Munnar Gap road and the Adimali-Munnar road are fully closed due to landslips in various places including Pallivasal. Therefore, there will be no access to Devikulam, for the time being. The Old Munnar region is also partially flooded. The Panamkutty bridge in Adimaly-Kumily Road is also almost submerged. A yellow alert is in place in the Idukki district today.
Train services cancelled
The Southern Railways on Tuesday partially cancelled three trains between Vallathol Nagar and Wadakanchery due to heavy waterlogging. These cancellations are a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety, the official communique said. The trains are: The Ernakulam - Kannur Intercity Express (16305) is short-terminated at Thrissur. The Tirunelveli - Palakkad Palaruvi Express (16791) will be in service till Aluva. The Thiruvananthapuram - Shoranur Venad Express (16302) is short-terminated at Chalakkudy. In Palakkad, there were landslips near the rail at Mannanur and at Veezhumala, which resulted in water submerging roads at Anakkapara on the national highway. Water also entered the rail at Akamala in Wadakkanchery.
Athirappilly, Vazhachal, Ilaveezhapoonchira closed
The Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls in Thrissur have also been closed to visitors. The Athirappilly-Malakkappara checkpost and the Thumburmuzhi garden are also temporarily closed. Severe waterlogging in the Pullu-Mannakodi areas has made it inaccessible to tourists. 'Kuttavanchi' facilities in the area have been suspended. Restrictions are in place for visitors at the Peechi Dam as well.
Entry is banned in various Kottayam tourist spots like Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkalkallu and Marmala Aruvi. Night travel is also banned in the Erattupetta - Vagamon Road. Restrictions have been put in place in various other tourist spots across Kerala as well.
How should tourists stay safe?
1) If heavy rains are predicted in your chosen destination, it is likely that the authorities will close it down till weather conditions improve. Therefore, avoid impromptu trips. Before planning or even leaving your hotels or homestays, inquire whether the spot will stay open for tourists for the day. Keep phone numbers of local tourist authorities, police and your tour operators handy and keep checking the local news.
2) Avoid driving on your own if there is an option. In many places, roads can become slippery, and prone to flash floods or landslides during heavy rains. It's better to hire local drivers who are aware of safe alternate routes and have experience in driving on the local turfs when you travel this season.
3) Take necessary health precautions as insect-borne, food and water-borne diseases can be prevalent this season. Make sure you are dining in hygienic conditions. Do not venture into muddy waters or stagnant rivers, ponds, etc to avoid health hazards. Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid raw and undercooked items.
4) Ensure you are prepared for an emergency. Keep essential medicines, strong umbrellas, raincoats, flashlights, first aid kit, fully charged mobile phones, power backup devices and chargers ready. Wear clothes that are easy to manage during heavy rains and winds, yet keep you warm.
5) Be ready for itinerary changes and plan flexibly as inclement weather can force you to even stay indoors, at times. Ensuring lightweight luggage, which still has essentials like waterproof clothing and footwear, would go a long way in travelling worry-free.
6) Carry waterproof cases which will let you handle your devices without getting them wet. If possible, travel with water-resistant gadgets only, especially if most of your travel plans for the day are outdoors.
