Idukki: With persistent heavy rain and strong winds battering the region, the Idukki District Collector has imposed a night traffic ban on the Munnar Gap Road stretch of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway for Thursday. The move comes as a safety measure due to the heightened risk of rockfalls in the rain-hit Gap Road area.
The ban applies only during nighttime hours, while parking will be strictly prohibited along both sides of the stretch throughout the day and night on Thursday.
The decision follows the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) issuance of an orange alert for Idukki, forecasting very heavy rainfall (between 12 and 20 cm within 24 hours). The IMD has also predicted continued rainfall across Kerala for the next three days, prompting similar alerts in other districts.
In light of worsening weather conditions, the Collector has also announced a holiday for all educational institutions in the district on Thursday.
Motorists and residents have been urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated on official advisories as the district prepares to tackle potential landslides and flooding.