Malabar River Festival Kayaking Suspended in Kozhikode After Heavy Rain Triggers Safety Concerns
The white-water kayaking competitions at the Malabar River Festival have been suspended after continuous heavy rainfall caused water levels in the Chalipuzha River to rise sharply, creating unsafe conditions for participants and officials. The decision was announced on Saturday as authorities intensified precautionary measures across parts of Kerala that continue to receive widespread rainfall.
The suspension follows safety recommendations issued by the Fire and Rescue Services after an assessment of the river conditions near the festival venue in Kozhikode district. Organisers said the decision was taken purely as a precaution to ensure the safety of athletes, volunteers and spectators amid rapidly changing weather conditions.
Organisers Suspend Competition on Safety Advice
According to the organisers, all scheduled white-water kayaking events have been put on hold after the Chalipuzha River experienced a significant rise in water level due to relentless rainfall across the region. Officials said the swift flow of water and unpredictable river conditions made it unsafe to continue the competition.
Kodanchery Grama Panchayat President Annakkutty Devassy and Adventure Tourism Chief Executive Officer Binu Kuryakose confirmed that the suspension was implemented following recommendations from the Fire and Rescue Services. They said the decision prioritised public safety over the continuation of sporting activities.
Authorities also confirmed that all participating athletes have been moved to safe locations. Kayaks, rescue boats and other competition equipment have likewise been shifted away from the riverbank to secure areas to prevent any damage or risk from rising water.
Public Asked to Stay Away from Riverbanks
Alongside suspending the event, local authorities appealed to residents and visitors to avoid the kayaking venue near Pulikkayam until conditions improve. Officials warned that rapidly rising water levels could pose serious risks, particularly in low-lying areas close to the river.
Panchayat President Annakkutty Devassy urged people across the Kodanchery Grama Panchayat to remain alert and strictly follow safety advisories issued by local authorities. Residents have also been advised not to enter rivers, streams or other waterlogged locations while heavy rain continues.
Officials emphasised that even experienced swimmers or adventure sports enthusiasts should avoid entering the river during the current weather conditions, as water currents can change rapidly following intense rainfall.
Heavy Rain Continues Across Kerala
The suspension of the kayaking competition comes as several districts in Kerala continue to experience widespread rainfall under the influence of an active weather system. Persistent rain over the past few days has increased river levels and raised concerns about flooding in vulnerable locations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that weather conditions are expected to remain severe in several parts of the state. Forecasts indicate the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds, prompting authorities to closely monitor rivers, reservoirs and low-lying areas.
Emergency response agencies and district administrations remain on alert as changing weather conditions could further affect outdoor events, transport services and public movement in rain-affected regions.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Five Districts
The India Meteorological Department has issued a three-hour Red Alert for Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kannur, warning of extremely heavy rainfall along with strong surface winds of up to 50 kmph at isolated places.
For the remaining districts of Kerala, the weather department has placed an Orange Alert, indicating the likelihood of heavy to moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds. The warnings have prompted local administrations to advise residents to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone and landslide-sensitive areas.
Officials continue to monitor the evolving weather situation, with public safety remaining the top priority as rainfall persists across multiple districts.
Flash Floods Hit Pathanamthitta as Pamba River Overflows
While authorities in Kozhikode were responding to safety concerns at the Malabar River Festival, heavy rainfall also caused severe disruption in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district. According to the information provided, intense rain in the hilly regions triggered flash floods, causing the Pamba River to overflow and inundate several parts of Ranni town.
The sudden rise in water levels left roads and public areas submerged, with floodwaters reaching waist-deep in some locations. The flooding disrupted normal life, making movement difficult for residents and creating challenges for businesses located near the river.
Officials continued to monitor the situation as water levels fluctuated, while residents were advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering flooded areas until conditions improved.
Residents Describe the Rapid Rise in Water Levels
A local shopkeeper told ANI that the flooding developed during the early hours of the morning, leaving little time for people to react.
“The water level near our house has come down now. However, the water level in the town is likely to rise by another one-and-a-half feet before it starts receding again. We never expected this. It was around 1:30 am when we realised the situation,” the shopkeeper told ANI.
The resident also recalled the devastating floods of 2018, when his business suffered losses of around Rs 1.5 crore. He said the current flooding has not caused major damage so far, but staff members have begun shifting goods to safer locations as a precaution.
“During the 2018 floods, I suffered losses of around Rs 1.5 crore. This time, we have not suffered any major damage so far. Since it happened unexpectedly, we have only just started shifting our goods. Only a few staff members have arrived, and with their help, we are moving the items to safety. There have been no major losses until now. If the water level doesn’t rise further, we should be able to get through without much damage,” he said.
Traders Face Difficult Conditions in Ranni
The flooding has also affected commercial establishments across Ranni. A textile shop owner, Shanaya Abooti, described the situation as extremely challenging, saying that many traders had been unable to reach their businesses because roads were submerged.
According to the trader, several business owners live outside the town and were unable to travel due to the flooding. Those who managed to reach the area were still unable to enter their shops because of the high water level.
“The flooding in Ranni happened very suddenly. Not a single trader is here at the moment because most of them come from distant places and are unable to reach the town. Even those who are here cannot enter their shops to move their goods. The entire area is submerged. It is impossible to tell where the road ends and the river begins. The water level is too high to even reach the shops. We are now standing near the bridge because there is no way to go further. People have been evacuated from their homes, but none of the household belongings has been moved,” Abooti told ANI.
Authorities Continue Monitoring the Situation
With heavy rainfall continuing in several districts, authorities remain on alert and are closely monitoring river levels and weather conditions. The suspension of the Malabar River Festival’s kayaking competition reflects the precautionary measures being taken to reduce risks during the ongoing spell of severe weather.
Residents have been advised to follow official weather updates and comply with instructions issued by local administrations and emergency response agencies. Public warnings against entering rivers and waterlogged areas remain in force until conditions become safer.
Conclusion
The combination of heavy rainfall, rising river levels and flood warnings has affected both sporting events and daily life across parts of Kerala. While the suspension of the kayaking competition was taken as a preventive safety measure, authorities continue to focus on protecting residents and monitoring conditions as the weather system remains active.
Source: ANI
