Heavy rain and strong winds, due to Cyclone Ockhi, battered the high range areas of Idukki district. Some 10 houses were completely destroyed while 31 were partially destroyed in Udumbanchola area alone. Traffic to the hill station was affected as uprooted trees and snapped electric lines blocked national highway for hours on Thursday.
Advisory
Idukki district administration has advised against night travel till the effect of Cyclone waned. People staying downstream of Idukki dam have been warned to stay alert as the chances of shutters being opened without warning are high due to rapidly surging water levels.
The state had asked residents and tourists to avoid traveling to hill stations like Munnar and Idukki in it's travel advisory as Cyclone Ockhi gained strength on Thursday.
Downpour continues
The torrential rain, which started on Wednesday night, continued to lash the high ranges on Thursday. Traffic on the the National Highway connecting Kumili and Munnar was disrupted as over 10 trees were uprooted in the area between Puliyanmala and Udumbanchola. Electric posts fell on KSRTC buses in Puliyanmala, Iruttukanam, and Amayar, but no casualties were reported.
