Sabarimala In Cyclone Ockhi Grip, Forest Tracks Turn Slushy, Pamba Swells, Gales Uproot Trees

With the Cyclonic storm Ockhi moving towards Kerala, inclement weather is threatening to hit the Sabarimala pilgrims hard. Raging winds and incessant downpour are affecting the access routes to the pilgrimage centre ensconced deep inside the forest.

The officials said that the forest track through Pullumedi has been experiencing strong gales that could sweep the people off their feet. The movement through this region has been stopped as strong gales had uprooted several trees. The path through Azhutha and Karimala has become extremely slippery with landslides and sludge. The movment on this route too has been stopped. The Pamba Triveni parking lot too has been heavily flooded. The cars are now being towed to safe places as the ground has become slushy. With Pamba in spate, the pilgrims have also been advised not to take a dip in swollen Pamba river.

The pilgrims have been advised to take the following precautions:

• The pilgrims have been asked not to travel between 6 PM to 7 AM.
• Avoid traveling through the forest tracks till the rains subside
• The pilgrims stranded in Sannidhanam and Pamba regions should stay put till the alert is lifted.
• Pilgrims should not rest or park their vehicles near trees, electric poles and water bodies.