Kerala rain: Idukki tourists urged to remain in their accommodation facilities, avoid non-emergency trips

With heavy rain continuing across Kerala's Idukki, District Collector Dr Dineshan Cheruvatt has urged residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution and strictly follow official safety advisories. He has urged the public to avoid travelling to Idukki except for essential purposes. Tourists currently staying in Idukki have been directed to remain at safe accommodation facilities and avoid unnecessary travel or visits to tourist destinations.

District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Secretary Jithesh Jose said tourism activities have been suspended at all DTPC-managed destinations, including Vagamon, Munnar Botanical Garden, and Panchalimedu, until further notice.

The District Administration and the District Disaster Management Authority have appealed to the public to strictly comply with all official instructions. Various departments have been directed to complete all necessary preparedness measures in accordance with disaster management guidelines. Arrangements have also been made to open relief camps in disaster-prone areas, and people have been asked to cooperate with authorities if evacuation becomes necessary.

Night travel banned
All water-based tourism activities, including boating, kayaking, rafting, and coracle rides, have been suspended in the district's reservoirs and water bodies until weather alerts are withdrawn. Adventure tourism activities, including trekking, have also been suspended.

Night travel in the hilly regions has been prohibited from 7 pm to 6 am until the Red Alert is withdrawn.  The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) has been instructed to ensure that cranes, earthmovers, and other heavy machinery remain ready for emergency operations.

Estate owners have also been advised to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers and residents in plantation areas due to the increased risk of landslides and other rain-related hazards.