Idukki: With the monsoons intensifying in most parts of Kerala, a red alert has been issued in Idukki district owing to a forecast of 'extremely heavy rains' in the region.
In this context, the incessant rains are also a cause of great concern in Munnar region too. Many low lying areas in the district have been inundated as the water levels of Muthirapuzha river and its tributaries surpassed the danger mark.
Besides this, the gates of Pallivasal Headworks Dam were lifted by the authorities, further compounding the woes. The rains and flash floods have damaged houses/property in Devikulam, Mattuppetty, Ikka Nagar and Munnar Colony.
Temporary bridge in Periayavarai goes underwater
With the Kannimalayar river breaching its banks, the temporary bridge connecting Munnar to Periyavarai has been inundated and all the traffic, between the two places, came to a standstill.
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At the construction site for the new bridge at Periyavarai, a deep chasm has been formed. The locals here rued that there has been no respite for their miseries for the third consecutive year.
Meanwhile, the farmlands down the valley have been damaged as the loose soil and gravel were washed down along with the water currents in the landside that happened at Devikulam Gap Road. The slush reached the doorstep and front courtyard of several houses in the locality, posing a threat to other houses and buildings in the area.
A meeting was scheduled to be held on August 6 between farmers and the Tahsildar to discuss on the allotment of compensation for the crop losses incurred in the landslide that occurred on June 17. But, before deciding on the same, another bout of crop loss and damage to farms and houses was reported in the area, owing to the rains.
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