Floods hit Aralam region in Kerala; shutters of Pazhassi dam raised as precaution

Heavy rains triggered widespread flooding in Arlam and surrounding areas, forcing the evacuation of several tribal families and raising fears of a possible landslide in the nearby forest. Authorities shifted residents to safer locations as rivers overflowed and water levels continued to rise.

More than 50 houses were inundated, prompting the emergency relocation of people from the 13^th and 11^th blocks of the tribal rehabilitation area to the nearby Anganwadis and others to their relatives houses.

The Kakuva and Baveli rivers breached their banks, worsening the situation in Payam, Vilamana, Karikottakkari and Ayyankunnu. In Karikottakkari-Mundayamparmbu, water began rising around 7 p.m. and started to recede by 9 p.m., but not before the Karikottakkari-Kalrikkal bridge was submerged, halting traffic. Resident and local volunteers led evacuation efforts, with assistance from the Irrity Fire and Rescue Service department.

In Kolithattu, strong winds caused a tree to fall on the house of Valakuzhi Dasan, leading to its collapse. However, the occupants escaped unhurt.

In anticipation of further flooding, the shutters of the Pazhassi dam were raised. Of the 16 spillway shutters, 13 were raised by three metres each and one by 2.5 metres. The current water level stands at 21.30 metres. The Irrigation Executive Engineer has advised residents along both banks downstream of the dam to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, the District Collector Arun K. Vijayan has issued a ban on all tourist activity and quarry operations across Kannur district until further notice, citing persistent heavy rainfall and the elevated risk of disasters.

An official alert has been issued to administrative departments and the public warning of further overflow risks and urging caution in vulnerable areas.