Heavy rain batters dist; Ponmudi closed, Aruvikkara Dam shutters raised

T’puram: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed at various parts of district on Sunday night, causing widespread damage, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to issue safety warnings in vulnerable areas. While no casualties were reported, several incidents of infrastructure damage were recorded.

The heaviest rainfall was reported from high-range tourist destination of Ponmudi, which received around 10cm of rain within a short span. In view of the intense rainfall and the possibility of landslides and falling trees, district authorities have temporarily closed the Ponmudi hill station to visitors until further notice. Most of the rain-related damage was reported from high-range and hilly areas of the district.

One portion of the compound wall of Govt Girls Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Pattom collapsed due to the heavy downpour. Officials have begun assessing the extent of the damage and the stability of the remaining structure.

A major road cave-in was reported at Kunnathukal near Parassala, where a section of the road close to a school gave way following continuous rainfall. The incident disrupted traffic along Kunnathukal–Narani stretch, forcing commuters and locals to use alternative routes. Authorities placed barricades at the site and initiated temporary restoration measures.

Several trees were uprooted in different parts of the district, blocking roads and affecting traffic during the night and early morning. Fire and rescue services personnel, along with officials from local bodies and public works department, were deployed to clear fallen trees and restore normal movement.

Meanwhile, rising water levels in reservoirs prompted precautionary measures. According to a press release issued by district information office, the shutters of Aruvikkara Dam were raised further on Monday morning due to strong inflows into the reservoir and the yellow alert declared in the district.

District collector Anu Kumari on Monday said shutters one to four of the dam would be opened by an additional 10cm each at 8am on Monday. Including the 40cm by which the shutters had already been raised earlier, the total opening now stands at 80cm. Residents living in low-lying areas and along the downstream stretches of the Karamana River have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast continued rainfall across southern Kerala over the coming days, with the possibility of isolated heavy showers. Authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable locations, including hill slopes, water bodies, roads and public infrastructure, and have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel to high-range areas until weather conditions improve.