Thu Jun 26 19:40:41 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Heavy rains in Kerala, particularly in the Muvattupuzha area, have led to a sharp rise in river levels, causing flooding and prompting emergency measures. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) held an emergency meeting, chaired by District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, to coordinate relief efforts. The Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers exceeded flood warning levels after dam shutters were opened. Families have been evacuated to relief camps. There are accusations that the Peringalkuthu dam’s shutters were opened without sufficient warning. Authorities are urging caution along the Chalakkudy and Periyar river basins due to expected high tide and continued heavy rainfall. A holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in the district.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Braces for Further Flooding as Rivers Swell, Schools Closed**

**KOCHI, KERALA – June 27, 2025** – Authorities in Kerala are on high alert after torrential rains caused significant flooding in the Muvattupuzha region and surrounding areas. The Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers have exceeded flood warning levels, prompting the evacuation of families to relief camps.

An emergency meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), chaired by District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, was convened on Thursday to address the escalating situation. “The district administration is fully prepared to deal with the challenges posed by the intense rain,” stated Mr. Umesh.

The police, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Revenue department have been instructed to remain on high alert to ensure public safety. The opening of the Malankara dam shutters contributed to the rising river levels, with the dam’s Executive Engineer directed to carefully manage the outflow.

The situation is particularly dire in North Paravur, where additional relief camps have been established. Some residents are alleging that the Peringalkuthu dam shutters were opened without adequate warning, exacerbating the flooding.

With continued heavy rainfall in the high ranges and an expected high tide on Thursday night, concerns are growing. C.G. Madhusoodhanan, CEO of Equinoct, urged residents along the Chalakkudy and Periyar river basins to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding similar to the 2018 floods.

In response to the severe weather conditions, the District Collector has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, anganwadis, and tuition centers, on Friday, June 27th. An orange alert remains in effect for the district.

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