Kochi: Kerala, which is touted as God's Own Country, is deeply dependant on tourism for revenue but the flood catastrophe has caused colossal damage to the state. Idukki, one of the most popular destinations in Kerala, has been shut to tourists under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
October usually marks the beginning of tourism season in Kerala but this year it is advisable not to travel to the state as rehabilitation efforts will be in full swing at the time.
Munnar got isolated as entire roads were destroyed in landslip and mudslides. Power and communication facilities are in shambles. The hill station used to receive on an average 5,000 tourists every day. Now the arrivals are limited to hardly 100 a day.
All the main attractions in Munnar are closed, to ensure the security of visitors. Mattupetty offered boating only on a single day this month. Rajamala is shut out for a week now. The old Munnar hydel garden is also shuttered.
Tourists are kept away from Vagamon hills, the Suicide Point at Kolahalamedu, the Pine Valley, and the Orchid Farm. The Idukki district collectorate has urged that tourist vehicles and other non-essential traffic should keep off the roads owing to risk of caving in due to landslips.
The northern district of Wayanad is also under travel curb due to massive landslides causing heavy destruction to the roads.
Other major attractions in the state like Athirappilly waterfalls and Vembanad lake are no longer accessible or too dangerous to visit.
The US government has also issued an advisory to Americans against travelling to Kerala in the wake of floods.
92 roads destroyed cross Idukki
Thodupuzha: Heavy rain, landslip and mudflow destroyed 92 roads and three bridges in Idukki district. Roads in Devikulam taluk bore the brunt of damages. Idukki subdivision has 86 roads, of which 83 were destroyed totally. Only single-lane traffic is allowed through three roads.
In the Nedumkandam subdivision, four of the 97 roads are now unusable, while single-lane traffic has been enforced in 93 roads. Peerumedu subdivision lost two roads entirely, out of a total of 23.
