Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed various parts of Thiruvananthapuram 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.
Ponmudi Hill Station Closed
The heaviest rainfall was reported from the high-range tourist destination of Ponmudi, which received around 10 cm 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.
Infrastructure Damage Reported
Most of the rain-related damage was reported from high-range and hilly areas of the district. One portion of the compound wall of Government 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 the Kunnathukal–Narani stretch, forcing commuters and locals to use alternative routes. Authorities placed barricades at the site and initiated temporary restoration measures.
Uprooted Trees and Traffic Disruption
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 the Public Works Department, were deployed to clear fallen trees and restore normal movement.
Precautionary Measures at Aruvikkara Dam
Rising water levels in reservoirs prompted precautionary measures. According to a press release issued by the 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 10 cm each at 8 am on Monday. Including the 40 cm by which the shutters had already been raised earlier, the total opening now stands at 80 cm. 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.
Weather Forecast and Advisory
The 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.
