Rain Warning Lapses Push Ranni Into Flood-Like Crisis

Pathanamthitta: Serious lapses in issuing timely rain warnings pushed Pathanamthitta district into a flood-like situation. Vadaserikkara received 361 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 9 am on Saturday, warranting the declaration of a red alert. However, the district had not even made the preparations required under the existing orange alert. The flash floods in Ranni can therefore be described as a disaster that could have been anticipated and prevented.

The impact was intensified when the Moozhiyar and Karikkayam dams were opened amid extremely heavy rainfall, causing the Kallar and Kakki rivers to overflow. The opening of the Maniyar Dam for maintenance work also contributed to the situation spiralling out of control. During the 2018 floods, Ranni and several other areas were inundated after four consecutive days of heavy rainfall.

Had warnings been issued in advance about the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall or the opening of the dams, residents would have had an opportunity to move household belongings, shop inventories and other valuables to safer locations. By the time many people were informed by others at around 4 am, water had already entered their homes and commercial establishments. Even the flood warning through public-address announcements was made only at around 9.30 am.

Authorities also failed to issue advance warnings to pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala in connection with the Niraputhari festival. As a result, pilgrims, including those travelling from other states, who had already set out for Sabarimala have been left stranded along the way.

Ranni Town Inundated Following Heavy Rainfall

Against the backdrop of extremely heavy rainfall and the overflowing Pamba River, the Travancore Devaswom Board has urged devotees to avoid travelling to Sabarimala. Major roads leading to Sabarimala, including those through Vadaserikkara, remain submerged. The district police have imposed restrictions on travel to the eastern region.

There were also serious lapses in rescue operations. Under normal circumstances, Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police officers and other emergency teams use dinghies and small boats to rescue people stranded in their homes. However, only one dinghy with a damaged engine was deployed for rescue operations in Ranni. The rapid-response personnel aboard the boat were reportedly unable to row.