High Alert in Pathanamthitta as Pamba Overflows; Landslips Hit Sabarimala Route Amid Heavy Rain, Devotees Advised to Postpone Travel
Pathanamthitta, Kerala: Torrential rain since Friday evening has triggered flash floods and landslips across the eastern high ranges of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, causing the Pamba River to overflow and inundating several parts of Ranni town. Authorities have sounded a high alert across the high ranges of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam amid fears of further landslips, flash floods and rising river levels.
Given the prevailing weather conditions, Ayyappa devotees planning to visit Sabarimala are advised to delay their pilgrimage, if possible, until the weather improves. Those who must travel should closely follow official weather advisories, avoid travelling during heavy rain or at night, remain alert for possible landslips and flash floods along the Sabarimala route, and carry raincoats, waterproof footwear and other essential rain gear.
Also Read: Sabarimala Niraputhari: TDB Advises Devotees to Reconsider Visit Amid Flood Alert
Floodwaters entered the Erumeli Valiyambalam Temple after heavy rain triggered widespread flooding across the region.
Laha, a key transit point on the Sabarimala pilgrim route, recorded 236 mm of rainfall.
The overflowing Pamba submerged roads, homes and commercial establishments in Ranni after runoff from the surrounding hills rapidly raised water levels. Residents living along the riverbanks have been advised to stay vigilant as the river continues to swell.
A landslip was also reported at Kanamala Attivalavu on the Sabarimala road, disrupting traffic after soil slid onto the carriageway. The Pamba later breached its banks at Aranmula, prompting authorities to issue an alert for the Palliyodam snake boats participating in the Aranmula Vallasadya rituals.
In Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikkara recorded 339 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, while a soil slippage was reported near Thoobakkulam. The Moozhiyar dam remains partially open, and the Achankovil River has also overflowed its banks, flooding the road at Attachackal and disrupting traffic.
The heavy rain has caused widespread devastation in neighbouring Kottayam district. One person, Josephin Johny Manappatt, died after a massive landslip buried his house at Payanithodu in Poonjar. His mother, Rejeena Johny, remains missing. Another person, Prabhakaran Nair of Vaikom, has also gone missing after a landslip at Kolahalamedu near Vagamon.
Several landslips and flash floods damaged houses, roads and agricultural land across the high ranges. In Teekoy panchayat, at least four houses were washed away after a landslip struck the Muppathekkar settlement. Floodwaters swept away vehicles, destroyed crops, washed away the Illikunnu bridge and inundated downstream residential areas. Large parts of Erattupetta town also remain under water, while traffic has been disrupted on several major roads due to flooding and landslips.
Major rivers, including the Pamba, Manimala, Meenachil and Achankovil, have overflowed at several locations following extremely heavy rainfall. According to the Automatic Weather Station of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Vagamon received 314 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning, while Pathampuzha recorded 179.4 mm.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government is fully prepared to tackle rain-related emergencies. He said the Revenue Minister, district collectors, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other emergency agencies have been directed to coordinate rescue and relief operations. The government has also assured medical treatment for the injured and speedy rehabilitation of affected families.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel have been deployed across the affected districts, while relief operations are underway. Three relief camps have been opened in Kozhencherry, Thiruvalla and Aranmula to accommodate displaced families.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert remains in effect for Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad.
With the southwest monsoon remaining active, Sabarimala devotees planning to visit the hill shrine are advised to exercise extreme caution. Pilgrims travelling via Pamba should closely monitor weather advisories, avoid entering flooded areas or swollen rivers, expect possible traffic disruptions due to landslips on the Sabarimala route, and carry raincoats, waterproof footwear and other essential rain gear, as heavy showers and flash floods can occur without warning in the hill regions.
As per the instructions of the Police Chief, a 24-hour control room has been set up at the Pathanamthitta District Police Office. The public can call the mobile numbers 9497960963 and 9497908045 and the landline number 0468 2222600 to report information related to the rainstorm and request assistance at any time. The District Police Chief also informed that emergency assistance will be provided immediately in collaboration with the Disaster Management Department of the District Collectorate.