Intense rains and gusty winds lash high ranges of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 29 (PTI) After a brief lull, the southwest monsoon intensified, bringing widespread rains to many parts of Kerala on Monday, triggering isolated incidents of mudslides and the uprooting of trees.

Incessant downpours and gusty winds have lashed several parts of the northern districts of Wayanad and Kozhikode since last night.

Mudslides were reported in the plantation area of Mundakkai in Wayanad. Following heavy rains, many families in Puthumala in the district were shifted to relief camps, authorities said.

Meanwhile, gusty winds caused widespread destruction in the high ranges of Kozhikode district.

Many trees got uprooted, and several houses were damaged in the sudden winds that lashed Thamarassery and Ambayathodu regions in the wee hours of Monday.

“At least seven houses were damaged in the area as huge trees were uprooted and fell upon them in strong winds. The power supply was also disrupted widely,” a local resident said.

In view of heavy rains, the shutters of Pathazhakund Dam in Thrissur and Peppara and Aruvikkara Dams in Thiruvananthapuram would be raised in the coming hours to release excess waters, the respective district authorities said.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall and gusty winds with speeds of 50 kmph are likely to occur at one or two places in the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts.

Moderate rainfall and gusty winds with speeds of 40 kmph are likely to occur at one or two places in all other districts of the state.