Minor landslip disrupts access to tourist destination Ponmudi amid heavy rains

Following heavy rain in the hilly regions of Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, August 1, 2026, a minor landslip occurred at the tourist destination of Ponmudi, where debris from the 12th hairpin bend was washed down as far as the 9th bend.

The collapse of the road edges has brought traffic heading to Ponmudi to a complete halt for the time being.

As the incident occurred early in the morning, a major accident was averted due to the existing restrictions on uphill vehicle movement from Kallar. Although personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services in Vithura and officials of the Forest Department have arrived and begun clearing the debris, a complete ban on travel to Ponmudi has been imposed due to the continuing risk of further landslips

Water level in the Aruvikkara Dam expected to rise

In view of the increasing inflow into the Peppara Dam, all four shutters of the dam will be raised by 20 cm each (a total of 80 cm) at 12 p.m. on Saturday (August 1).

As a result, the water level in the Aruvikkara Dam is also expected to rise further. Consequently, all four shutters of the Aruvikkara Dam will be raised by an additional 20 cm each at 5 p.m. on Saturday (August 1). This is in addition to the existing 200 cm opening, taking the total opening to 280 cm.

District Collector Anu Kumari said that people living in areas near the dams and along both banks of the river should remain vigilant.

CM steps up disaster prevention activities

In the wake of heavy rains continuing in various parts of the state and reports of landslides and mudslides in some places, Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan contacted the Revenue Minister, the Chief Secretary, and the District Collectors.

Disaster prevention activities will be coordinated by the Revenue Minister. NDRF, police, and others are prepared to handle any situation, said the Chief Minister.

The government has decided to provide better treatment to the injured and to expedite rehabilitation activities, said the Chief Minister on a social media post here on Saturday.