Thiruvananthapuram, July 31 (BPNS)
Even as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rains in several districts of Kerala since July 31, a tourist from Tamil Nadu lost his life after he was trapped in the Kumbavaratty waterfalls as heavy water gushed into the falls sweeping him off balance and into the waters. The deceased is identified as Kumaran from Madurai. The incident occurred around 5 pm on Sunday.
Another person, Kishore from Erode is seriously injured in the same incident and is admitted to the local hospital. The forest department of Kerala is trying to rescue five tourists who are struck on the other side of the waterfalls.
Forest officials said that a landslip in the deep forests could be reason for the sudden gushing of waters into the waterfalls. Heavy rains continue to lash in several parts of the interior areas of Kerala, especially in southern districts of the state.
In Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram also heavy rains have led to an increase in water levels at the Meenmutti waterfalls. Several tourists are feared trapped and the forest, fire force, and police and disaster response team have commenced rescue operations.
Heavy rains are expected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts and a Yellow alert has been issued.
