Heavy rain disrupted normal life in several parts of Palakkad district, causing damage, waterlogging and traffic interruptions on Saturday. An orange alert was declared in the district, and educational institutions were given a holiday.A house at Puthuppally Street collapsed on Saturday morning. However, the five-member family, including elderly parents, escaped unhurt. The house of Shahul Hameed collapsed soon after the family moved to the rear side on hearing a loud noise. A bike was damaged under the debris.Following Saturday’s heavy rain, District Collector Sudhir K. banned entry to all hill tourism destinations, including Nelliyampathy and Malampuzha. Entry to Kava at Malampuzha was also restricted.Water levels rose in several dams, leading to the opening of shutters. Six shutters of Mangalam dam were opened initially by five cms each on Saturday morning. Later, all six spillway shutters were opened by 35 to 45 cms after the water level reached 77.71 m against the maximum storage capacity of 77.88 m.Officials said the shutters might be raised up to 60 cms depending on rainfall. Residents along the Mangalam River, downstream areas and riverbanks were asked to remain alert.Three shutters of Kanjirapuzha Dam were also opened after heavy rain in the catchment area. The water level stood at 95.37 m against the maximum capacity of 97.50 m. Authorities said the shutters would be raised further if rainfall intensifies.Twenty shutters of the Velliyankallu regulator-cum-bridge at Thrithala were opened, and an alert was issued for residents along the Bharathapuzha riverbanks.Traffic was disrupted at several areas. A tree fell across the Nelliyampathy-Nenmara road near Kundarachola on Saturday morning, delaying buses and other vehicles for hours. The Fire and Rescue Services team, forest officials and passengers cleared the tree after about an hour and restored traffic.Waterlogging affected Kannamkundu Crossway at Mannarkkad, the Cherpulassery-Ottapalam road and Varode, Marappalam, Athani areas. The Arakurissi stream overflowed, stopping road traffic.The KSEB electrical circle in Palakkad has opened a control room to address rain-related power issues. Complaints can be reported at 9496009936, 9496010101, 1912 or 9496001912. People have been advised to immediately report fallen electric lines and other power-related issues. Published - August 01, 2026 08:12 pm IST