KOCHI: Due to the onset of cyclone Tauktae, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday, May 16, issued orange alerts –a warning indicating heavy to very heavy rain in three districts -Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram. Even as the cyclone moved away from Kerala’s coast after wreaking havoc on Sunday, water levels in many dams across the state showed a rising trend.
The catchment areas in the districts of central Kerala reported heavy rains, thereby prompting the authorities to sound alert warnings before upping their shutters. Administration urged people living on the banks of Chalakudy river, Thodupuzha river, Muvattupuzha river and their tributaries to be cautious. Hundreds of families in the state living by the coat and in low lying areas were shifted to relief camps.
Indian Navy deployed its diving and quick reaction teams in the coastal village of Chellanam in Ernakulam district, which was heavily hit by tidal waves. These teams on Sunday undertook rescue and rehabilitation of people who had gotten trapped in their houses. Several reports on damage and destruction of houses in coastal belts across the state has come forward due to seeping of the sea water in high waves. According to the Government of Kerala, at least nine districts in the state have been severely affected by the sea incursion and cyclone.