Published Oct 20, 2026 | 10:59 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 20, 2026 | 10:59 PM
The downpour was particularly heavy in the Vithura–Ponmudi belt, where water entered several houses. (Representative Image)
Synopsis: The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued an Orange Alert for Thiruvananthapuram after heavy rain flooded homes in Vithura and cut off the tribal settlement of Podiyakala ooru, while Idukki remains under a Yellow Alert. Authorities planned to raise four shutters of the Kallar dam to release excess water, and urged people along the Chinnar and Kallar rivers to remain cautious. A rockfall at Second Mile has forced the complete closure of the Adimali–Munnar stretch of National Highway 85.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued an Orange Alert for Thiruvananthapuram district after heavy rain inundated houses in Vithura and cut off the tribal settlement of Podiyakala ooru on Tuesday, 20 October.
The downpour was particularly heavy in the Vithura–Ponmudi belt, where water entered several houses. The Vamanapuram river was swelling, while Podiyakala ooru remained cut off.
The Vamanapuram river was swelling, while Podiyakala ooru remained cut off.
In Idukki, four shutters of the Kallar dam were scheduled to be raised by 20 cm each from 8 pm on Tuesday to release excess water following continuous rain in the catchment area. The reservoir’s water level stood at 821 metres, against its maximum capacity of 824.48 metres. The release could reach 80 cumecs.
The District Collector urged people living along the Chinnar and Kallar rivers to exercise caution. The India Meteorological Department issued a Yellow Alert for Idukki.
Separately, a massive boulder fell onto National Highway 85 at Second Mile on Tuesday night during excavation work, forcing authorities to shut the Adimali–Munnar stretch completely. Other rocks and large trees in the area remained unstable.
District Collector Dr Dinesan Cheruvatt said the closure would continue until all safety risks had been addressed. Authorities estimated that removing the boulder and securing the area would take three days.
In an alert issued at 10.15 pm, the KSDMA warned of moderate to intense rain accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50 kmph in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam over the next three hours.
The warning covered waterlogging, traffic congestion, poor visibility, flooding in low-lying areas, falling trees and damage to power infrastructure. The KSDMA also flagged the risk of landslips and damage to houses, huts and unsecured coastal structures.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
