Heavy rain triggers flood fears in Wayanad's Chooralmala, one year after deadly landslides
Wayanad (Kerala) (PTI): Heavy rains over the past 24 hours have raised fears of fresh flooding and landslides in Wayanad's Mundakkai-Chooralmala region, just a year after deadly landslides claimed over 200 lives there.
District officials reported on Wednesday that the Chooralmala river is in strong spate, with muddy water flowing forcefully and breaching the banks near the Bailey bridge.
Soil stored along both riverbanks for renovation work has been washed away, causing water to spill onto the Attamala road and surrounding areas.
Local residents say they believe new landslides have occurred in the hills, particularly uphill near Punchirimattam inside forested areas. However, officials say there has been no confirmation so far.
"We have no confirmation of new landslides inside the forest, uphill Punchirimattam," the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said.
"The loose debris from previous events is coming down with the rain. This will likely continue for some time until all eroded materials are washed off," it said.
Residents remain anxious, remembering the July 2024 disaster that flattened homes, injured dozens, and left hundreds without shelter.
District administration officials say the flash flooding is a result of widespread rain in the hills.
However, they maintain that there is no immediate danger and are monitoring the situation closely. Further downstream, the Kabani river has also seen rising water levels at Mananthavady and Panamaram.
With the Banasura dam nearing full capacity, a red alert remains in place for nearby regions.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for 11 districts, including Wayanad, warning of moderate rainfall and strong winds up to 50 km/h over the next three hours.
Light rain and gusty winds are also expected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
