Authorities Urge Devotees Not to Travel to Sabarimala; Pilgrims Not Allowed as Heavy Rain Hits Pathanamthitta, Moozhiyar Dam on Red Alert
Pathanamthitta, Kerala: Even as the Sabarimala Temple remains open for the Niraputhari rituals, the district administration has urged devotees not to travel to the hill shrine due to severe weather conditions. Authorities have also said that pilgrims will not be allowed to proceed to Sabarimala on Monday as continuous heavy rain has triggered flooding and landslide concerns in Pathanamthitta district.
Due to the strong current in the Pampa River, authorities have temporarily stopped allowing pilgrims to enter the Pampa riverbank area. Police have also regulated the movement of pilgrims' vehicles at Erumely and Nilakkal as a precaution.
A high alert has been issued after the water level in the Pampa River rose again in the early hours of Monday following continuous heavy rainfall. The Ranni Town Police have warned residents in the Ranni region to immediately move to safer locations as the river is at risk of overflowing again.
Heavy rains over the past few days had submerged Ranni town, causing significant financial losses to local traders. Although the floodwaters began to recede on Sunday, police issued a fresh warning after the river level started rising again before dawn, increasing the risk of renewed flooding.
Authorities also issued public announcements on Sunday night across the district's hilly areas, urging residents living along the banks of the Pampa River and Kakkattar River to remain alert due to the possibility of flash floods.
Moozhiyar Dam on Red Alert
Amid the continuing heavy rainfall in the district, authorities have declared a Red Alert at the Moozhiyar Dam. At around 3:30 a.m. on August 3, the dam's water level reached the danger mark of 190.00 metres, while its full reservoir level is 192.63 metres.
Officials said that persistent overnight rain, including in the Sabarimala forest region, has significantly increased the inflow into the reservoir. As the water level continues to rise, the dam's shutters may be opened at any time to release excess water into the Kakkattar River.
Authorities warned that if the shutters are opened, water levels in both the Kakkattar River and the Pampa River could rise rapidly. Residents living along the banks of these rivers have been asked to remain on high alert.
The situation remains critical in Pathanamthitta district, with Ranni and Aranmula once again facing a severe flood threat. Additional fishing boats have been deployed from Kollam to assist in rescue operations.
Floodwaters have submerged large parts of Upper Kuttanad, while low-lying areas including Kuttoor, Peringara, Nedumpuram, Niranam, Kadapra, and parts of Thiruvalla Municipality remain inundated. Hundreds of homes have been cut off by floodwaters.
Following overnight torrential rain, many families have been shifted to relief camps. Public announcements urging residents to evacuate to safer places are continuing across several areas, including Kozhencherry.
Safety Advisory
Authorities have issued the following instructions:
* Residents living along both banks of the Kakkattar River and Pampa River should remain vigilant.
* Do not enter the rivers under any circumstances.
* Avoid bathing, washing clothes, fishing, or any other activities in the rivers.
* Strictly follow the instructions issued by the District Administration and the Disaster Management Authority.
* Closely monitor official announcements regarding any decision to open the Moozhiyar Dam shutters.
With heavy rainfall continuing across Kerala, especially in the hilly regions of Pathanamthitta district, authorities have urged residents and pilgrims to exercise extreme caution and follow all official advisories.