A file photo of the Thanneermukkom bund in Alappuzha.
Two relief camps have been opened in Alappuzha district as heavy rain and adverse weather conditions prevailed in the district on Saturday. While two members of a family have been shifted to a relief camp opened at the Government High School at Thiruvanvandoor in Chengannur taluk, five people from three families have taken shelter at another camp at Puthenkavu MDL LP School in Mulakuzha village.As a precaution against flooding, 34 shutters at the Thottappally spillway have been opened. All 90 shutters at the Thanneermukkom bund and four shutters at Andhakaranazhi have also been opened. District Collector Shaji V. Nair said the district is fully prepared to tackle any flood situation and that all emergency measures have been put in place to facilitate the smooth discharge of floodwaters into the sea.A review meeting involving all departments concerned was held on Saturday morning to assess flood preparedness. Officials of the Revenue department and other agencies will continue monitoring flood mitigation works on Sunday.The District Collector has also temporarily banned the operation and movement of houseboats, shikara boats, country boats, speedboats, and adventure activities such as canoeing and kayaking under the Disaster Management Act. The District Port Officer has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order and take action against violators.The restrictions have been imposed in view of the risks posed by heavy rain, strong winds, rising water levels and possible flooding in lakes, rivers and other waterbodies.Control roomsControl rooms are functioning in all taluks, and relief camps have been kept ready across the district, according to an official statement. A 20-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team along with three boats is being deployed to Chengannur, where floodwaters from the eastern regions first enter the district.The Collector also advised people living along riverbanks to remain alert, avoid entering waterbodies and exercise caution while fishing in rivers and backwaters. Published - August 01, 2026 06:57 pm IST
