This story is from August 8, 2020

Rajamala and rains keep Kerala on tenterhooks

A day shy of the first anniversary of the Kavalappara disaster, that claimed nearly 60 lives in Malappuram district, Kerala on Friday woke up to news of another devastating landslide at Pettimudy in Idukki’s Rajamala.
Rajamala and rains keep Kerala on tenterhooks
Low-lying areas in Mavoor were inundated in the heavy rains in Kozhikode on Friday
KOCHI/NEW DELHI: A day shy of the first anniversary of the Kavalappara disaster, that claimed nearly 60 lives in Malappuram district, Kerala on Friday woke up to news of another devastating landslide at Pettimudy in Idukki’s Rajamala.
In a double whammy for a state already in the vice-like grip of a pandemic, torrential rain has left many low-lying riparian zones and flood plains at risk of inundation – in what has become an annual event, with the devastation and misery of 2018 and 2019 still fresh in the memories.
The Rajamala landslide, which occurred in the early hours, killed at least 18 teagarden workers. Rescue workers were searching for 53 people thought to be trapped under soil and debris. Idukki district received nearly 20 cm of rain on Thursday, according to the staterun weather department.
A 50-member strong special task force of the fire force has been dispatched for rescue efforts. They are equipped for night-time rescue activities, said chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The CM’s office also contacted the Indian Air Force to provide helicopters for rescue operations.
“The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed for the rescue operations in Idukki. The team was already stationed at the district. Another NDRF team is also being moved to Idukki,” Vijayan said in a Facebook post.
The state government appointed IGP Gopesh Agarwal as special officer to coordinate rescue-and-relief operations in the locality. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed all collectors to ensure the safety of labour lines in the estates. He said that DIG (Ernakulam range) K Mahesh Kumar and SP (Idukki) R Karuppasamy are camping in Munnar and Rajamala to lead rescue operations.
Defence sources said a helicopter was ready at the Southern Air Command in Thiruvananthapuram, but was waiting for the weather to clear.

PM Narendra Modi announces relief
Prime minister Narendra Modi condoled the Rajamala deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of victims. Every injured person will receive Rs 50,000.
In a series of tweets, Modi said: "Pained by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected.”
Amit Shah evaluates situation
An NDRF team has reached Idukki to assist local administration in rescue and relief operations, Union home minister Amit Shah said.
“Condolences to the bereaved families of those who have lost their lives in Rajamalai, Idukki (Kerala) due to landslide . Have spoken to DG NDRF, their team has reached the spot to provide all possible assistance to the administration with the rescue work,” Shah tweeted.
325% excess rain in 24 hours
For the third consecutive year, it rained heavily in August, with the state recording an excess rain of 325% in 24 hours (Aug 6-7), showed IMD’s rainfall data. In Kerala, landslides, mud slips, road caving and intense flooding happened more intensely than the previous day. According to IMD data, in the past one week from Aug 1-7, Kerala recorded nearly 135% excess rain and from Aug 5-6, the excess was around 79%.
Idukki continued to be on red alert for the third consecutive day on Saturday along with Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad. “The state has been receiving extremely heavy rain in many places and this will continue for two more days,” said K Santhosh, IMD director.
Based on central water commission’s rule curve, red alerts were given for five KSEB dams with four in Idukki and one in Thrissur and Pathanamthitta as they crossed the danger-level on Friday. The dams on red alert are Kallarkutty, Lower Periyar, Erattayar, Ponmudi, Peringalkuthu and Moozhiyar. Peringalkuthu dam released nearly 561.25 cumecs of water while all shutters of Mangalam reservoir in Palakkad, which touched 88% storage, were opened by 45cm each to release 74 cumecs of water. Neyyar, Maniyar, Bhoothathankettu, Malankara, Moolathara, Kanjirapuzha, Siruvani, Karapuzha, Kuttiady and Pazhassi dams continued to release waters into the rivers.
Among the rivers flowing above the danger level are Manimala at Mundakayam (Kottayam) 59.19m, Thiruvegapura-Bharatappuzha (Malappuram) 26.82m, Pamba and Achankovil (Pathanamthitta) at Maramon
(6.03m), Kurudamannil (7.84 m), Kalleli (32.61m), Konni (28.45m), Muvattupuzha- 10.565m and Thodupuzha-10.47m, Kavvai (Vellur river)- 1.64m, Kariankod-Bheemanadi (Kasaragod)- 4.04m while Meenachil at Teekoy station is flooded.
Widespread rain is likely over next week, IMD said. Strong wind with speed reaching 50-60km/hr is likely along and off Kerala and Karnataka’s coast and Lakshadweep. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea.
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