Thrissur: With the incessant rain continuing to batter Kerala, rivers in Kerala are in spate once again and waterfalls are showcasing all their might.
The Athirappilly waterfalls in Thrissur district was at its majestic best on Tuesday, but the sudden surge in the waterfall prompted authorities to ban travellers' entry to the tourist hotspot.
The Athirappilly-Vazhachal tourist centre was shut down and vehicular traffic through Athirappilly and Malackappara were banned. Tourists are also not allowed to enjoy the Charppa waterfalls near Athirappilly from its base. The forest department has decided to keep the restrictions in place until the strength of the waterfalls comes down.
A video of the Athirappilly waterfalls with muddy water making a mighty fall into the base has gone viral.
Water level at Chalakudy River also rose, flooding nearby areas.
As heavy rains lashed different parts of Kerala, the shutters of three dams were opened, officials said.
The shutters of three dams in Thiruvananthapuram -- Neyyar, Aruvikkara and Peppara – were opened with the water level rising, a state disaster control room official said.
The water level in the Idukki reservoir has reached 2,395.38 feet and there is heavy rain in the catchment areas. Last night, orange alert was issued and people living in the catchment areas and low-lying areas were asked to remain cautious.
This orange level warnings is for weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas.
Sea condition is likely to be very rough over south west, central and north Arabian sea.
There is a possibility of surging waves during high tides in the low-lying areas of coasts, and fishermen have been warned not to venture into sea along and off the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts.
(With agency inputs)
