His Excellency Bishop Mar Jacob Manathodath of Palghat diocese who is also the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam, urged the people in Kerala to help each other by providing churches and institutions as shelters for the flood victims in the state. Incessant torrential rains in several parts of Kerala have taken a heavy toll on life and property, with Idukki and parts of northern Kerala and Palakkad district bearing the brunt of the flash floods.

His Grace Bishop Mar Manathodath remarked that “Faithful should try their best to help each other in this crucial situation and provide the needy with all the necessities possible. Let us remember every one who is struggling due to these critical situations in various parts of the state.” Further, the Bishop added, “Everyone should cooperate with the government and the rescue operators and follow their orders and alerts in order to handle this disaster with care.

Idukki dam officials informed heavy rains and high inflow of water in the catchment area of Idukki dam, 7.5 lakh litres of water per second will be released from the dams where all shutters have been opened, high alert has been issued on the banks of Cheruthony and Periyar rivers.