Yet another case of rare amoebic meningoencephalitis infection confirmed in Kannur

KOZHIKODE: Amoebic meningoencephalitis has been confirmed in a three-and-a-half-year-old boy from Kannur, taking the total number of cases reported in the state to five. The boy from Pariyaram is under treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. The rare brain infection was confirmed in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test conducted in Puducherry on Thursday. The boy from Pariyaram was first taken to the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital after he exhibited symptoms consistent with the brain infection. He was shifted to a private hospital in Kozhikode. It is learnt his family had visited the Karakkund waterfall in Kadannappally-Panapuzha panchayat prior to him falling ill. Meanwhile, the PCR test result of a four-year-old boy from Kozhikode is awaited. Preliminary tests done at the hospital showed he too was infected with Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that is commonly found in freshwater lakes and ponds and can survive in inadequately chlorinated pools. However, the authorities are waiting to get confirmation from Puducherry. So far, the brain-eating amoeba has killed three a five-year-old girl in Malappuram, a 13-year-old girl in Kannur and a 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode since May. Earlier this month, 14-year-old boy Afnan Jasim from Kozhikode made a miraculous recovery from the disease, which carries a 97 per cent mortality rate. Dr Abdul Rauf, a paediatric critical care specialist at Baby Memorial Hospital, emphasised the significance of early diagnosis in combating the deadly infection. Highlighting the case of Afnan, one of 11 people in the world to have survived Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, as a testament to the efficacy of early detection. Early diagnosis is crucial in saving children from the deadly infection. The three-and-a-half-year-old boy from Kannur is responding well to treatment. The four-year-old boy, admitted a week ago, has shown positive results in initial tests, and treatment has commenced. He too is responding well, Dr Rauf said. In a first, Kerala govt issues guidelines to tackle amoebic meningoencephalitis threat

Nipah survivors in Kerala endure a silent struggle

KOZHIKODE: The world celebrated a remarkable victory when people in Kozhikode, Ernakulam, and Malappuram districts survived the deadly Nipah virus outbreak in the past few years. At the same time, the lingering impact on their lifestyles remains largely unspoken. Among the survivors is a young man who continues to battle the aftereffects of the virus, having been left in a coma after the initial ordeal. Despite overcoming the virus, his life has been irrevocably altered. Similarly, others who survived the Nipah virus face periodic health concerns. A mysterious illness causing fevers and headaches and leading to the rapid development of acute encephalitis has definitely come with several side effects, but they vary from person to person who survived this deadly virus, said Dr Arun Raveendran, an infectious disease specialist with a private hospital. Two survivors in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts have come back with periodic health concerns, including severe headaches during their post-Nipah survival period. Long-term side effects in survivors of Nipah virus infection include persistent convulsions and personality changes. Interestingly, dormant or latent infections, leading to symptoms or death, have also been reported months and even years after exposure, Dr Arun pointed out. One survivor from the 2023 outbreak in Kozhikode started experiencing personality changes and is continuing therapy and counselling from a private hospital. But such cases go untold as we were already in the ecstasy of having brought people back to life after battling the deadly virus, he added. A young mans battle Tito Joseph, a 24-year-old from Mardala in Mangaluru, is a living example of the unexpected twists of life during the post-Nipah survival period. Tito has been in the same hospital bed for eight months, unable to drink water on his own or recognise his mother. After completing his nursing studies, Tito joined a hospital in Kozhikode on April 23, 2023. In late August, a patient at the hospital died of a fever later confirmed as Nipah. Tito contracted the virus while tending to that patient. After completing his quarantine in November, he returned home, only to start experiencing headache and other discomfort the following day. Undeterred, he went back to work in Kozhikode. In December, after suffering severe headache, tests at the Pune Virology Institute confirmed Tito had developed Nipah encephalitis, a latent form of the disease. He began treatment at the same hospital where he worked. Unfortunately, Tito fell into a coma. Now, he is fed through a stomach tube and breathes with the help of a tube attached to his throat. His mother Lizi Eliamma and brother Shijo Thomas have left their jobs to stay by his side in Kozhikode. According to doctors treating Tito, this is the first case in the country of a Nipah survivor falling into a coma, Shijo told TNIE. During the one month Tito was admitted to the hospital after being confirmed with Nipah, he had managed that whole period alone, without any support, Shijo pointed out. He did not experience any serious health concerns then, except for a high temperature that was reported twice. Hence, our family was relaxed. But the post-Nipah period completely changed our life. For the past eight months, we have been living in the hope of seeing him returning to life, he said. Silent struggles of survivors A Nipah survivor from Kozhikode, who wished to remain anonymous, said, I am still battling severe headache and muscle weakness or pain, which the doctors at Kozhikode MCH said are side effects of the virus. They have put me under medication, which is helpful during those nights of pain. Since 2018, a total of 27 cases have been reported in the state, with 20 deaths, including one in 2024. Two confirmed patients survived in 2018. In the Ernakulam outbreak of May-June 2019, one patient was confirmed to have contracted Nipah but the health department managed to check further spread. Between September 12 and 15 in 2023, Kerala reported six confirmed cases of Nipah, including two deaths. The battle against Nipah is not just about survival but also about dealing with its long-term effects. The stories of survivors like Tito highlight the need for ongoing medical support and attention to the silent struggles they face every day.

Fishers in Kozhikode prepare to resume work amid mounting debt

One more case of amoebic infection in Kozhikode, sixth in Kerala

This is the sixth confirmed case of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala, with three deaths so far

3-Year-Old Diagnosed With Rare And Deadly Amoebic Meningoencephalitis In Kozhikode

Amoebic meningoencephalitis is nearly always fatal with 97 per cent mortality rate.

Shirur landslide: Cyber attack for disrespecting army, Arjuns family lodges police complaint

KOZHIKODE: Family members of Kozhikode resident Arjun , a lorry driver who went missing in a landslip in Ankola, Karnataka, have filed a complaint against the cyber attack. The complaint was lodged at the Cyber Crime police station against two YouTube channels that misinterpreted the words of Arjuns mother Sheela during a press conference. On July 22, Arjuns family responded to the media about the progress of the rescue mission being held in Shirur, Ankola. While speaking emotionally, she said: Earlier there was hope when the Army arrived there, but it is gone now. I dont think the Army had intervened adequately. In the complaint, Arjuns family alleged that Sheelas words were misinterpreted by some online media and they have been facing extreme cyberbullying. Our family also consists of Armymen and we have always been respectful of their services to the nation. Shirur landslide: Indian Army mobilises two rescue teams to rescue victims My mother was speaking about the particular mission of finding Arjun, and didnt intend to disrespect the Army. My mothers words during the press conference were edited and distorted. Some YouTube channels even used our maternal aunt Hemamalinis voice and it was added to the videos without her consent. Since then, we have been facing extreme cyber attacks, said Anju, Arjuns sister. Shirur landslide: Karnataka govt confirms location of truck in Gangavali River; search to resume on Thursday Apart from this, cyberspace is abuzz with debates and war of words for and against those who went to Ankola as part of rescue missions from Kerala. After Arjuns lorry was found in the river in Shirur, there was a cyber attack on Ranjith Israel, the civilian who participated in the rescue operations. Ranjiths comment that the lorry in which Arjun was travelling might be on the shore itself has drawn widespread criticism. Meanwhile, the search for Arjun has been intensified by Army and naval forces, NDRF, fire and rescue team, and the police.

Kerala kayaking team strengthened with increased women participation

KOZHIKODE: The Kerala kayaking team has strengthened its team for the International Kayaking Championship, which is a highlight of the Malabar River Festival. The event, which began a decade ago, has significantly boosted the popularity of white water and flat water rafting among youngsters in the region. This year, over 110 boys and 30 women will participate in various categories, showcasing a notable increase in womens involvement. Originally more popular in northern India, rafting has gained substantial traction in Kerala thanks to the Malabar River Festival. The festival has provided a platform for water sport enthusiasts to explore rafting in Keralas rivers, leading to increased participation in national and international events. Key kayaking courses have been established in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode districts, providing ample training opportunities for athletes. The 10th edition of the Malabar River Festival, South Indias largest white water kayaking competition, began on July 25. The event, organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, DTPC, and Kozhikode district panchayat, with technical support from the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association, will be four day long. The festival will see participation from 13 international kayakers from various countries, including France, New Zealand, Norway, Italy, Russia, and Spain. Pre-events for the festival were conducted for over a month in nine local government bodies, involving various activities such as a baiting competition, rain walk, off-road national championship, mud football, state kabaddi, swimming competition, and cycle rally. In addition, cultural programmes have been arranged, with Kalasandhya presented by the Kerala Folklore Academy on Friday and a performance by Atul Narukaras music band on Sunday. The closing ceremony will be inaugurated by Minister O R Kelu on July 28 at Thusharagiri.

Kerala government takes pioneering step to fight rare amoebic infection

KOZHIKODE: In a landmark decision, the state health sector has introduced miltefosine to combat the deadly amoebic meningoencephalitis after the tragic deaths of three children in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur districts. The initiative has not only made history by saving the first child in India from this fatal infection but also garnered global attention. Globally, only 11 survivors have been reported, underscoring the significance of this breakthrough in Kerala. The key stakeholders in the achievement include the Government of India, drug manufacturer Zentaris, and the Tropical Diseases Research program, which is co-sponsored by UNDP, the World Bank, and WHO. Miltefosine (1-O-hexadecylphosphocholine), an alkylphosphocholine and a membrane-active synthetic ether-lipid analogue, was originally developed for cancer management. Despite being registered in India in 2002 for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, access to miltefosine has been inconsistent. Sourcing and availability challenges The Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Kerala, sources miltefosine from the central health department due to its limited availability. Frequent shortages have plagued healthcare providers, exacerbated by bureaucratic delays in procurement processes, inadequate delivery systems, lack of buffer stock, and difficulties in forecasting demand. Meanwhile, the health department has issued technical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of the disease.

Kozhikode medical college Principal flays false propaganda against institution

Freestyle events of white-water kayaking championship held at Meenthullippara in Kozhikode

Tourism and Public Works Minister P A. Mohammed Riyas will officially open the four-day event on July 26

Houses damaged, trees uprooted as whirlwind lashes Kozhikode

Kommeri and Eravathukunnu areas in Kozhikode district affected

Fishers in Kozhikode seek well-equipped squad for emergency sea rescue operations

They say the coastal police and temporarily appointed rescue guards are ill-equipped to handle emergency situations

This Kerala Woman Takes Care Of Crows Like Her Children

After her husband's death, Jayalakshmi returned home to Kozhikode and currently lives alone.

16 people test negative for Nipah in Kerala: Veena George

KOZHIKODE: Health Minister Veena George said that the serum samples of 16 people who were on the contact list of the 14-year-old boy who died of Nipah tested negative on Wednesday. The minister announced during the virtual Nipah review meeting held at the Malappuram Collectorate Conference Hall in the evening. The 16 who tested negative for Nipah fall under the low-risk category. A total of 58 samples have tested negative, so far, Veena said. On Tuesday, three people were admitted to medical college with suspected Nipah. At present, there are 21 suspected Nipah cases admitted to Mancheri and Kozhikode Medical Colleges. Of them, 17 are on the contact list of the deceased Nipah victim. On Wednesday, 12 more people have been added to the list, bringing the total number to 472. Of them, 220 are in the high-risk category. A fever survey was also conducted in 8,376 houses in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats.

Kozhikode Corporation Council passes 1,137 spillover projects

Bismi group founder V A Yusuf passes away at 74

KOCHI: Valiyaveetil Haji V A Yusuf (74), chairman of the Bismi Group, passed away on Wednesday. His last rites were held at Muslim Jamaath Kabrastan, Kaloor at 4 pm. He is survived by wife P M Nafeesa and children V Y Safeena and V Y Shabani, sons-in-law Dr V A Afsal and V A Ajmal. An engineer by profession, Yusuf founded Bismi group in 1974, which has now become a leading brand in home appliances, electronic and retail grocery stores in Kerala with hyper-markets in Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kochi.

Kerala: Relief as 11 more on contact list test negative for Nipah

MALAPPURAM: Eleven people, including the parents of the 14-year-old boy who died of Nipah on Sunday, tested negative for the viral infection on Monday. Two people from Thiruvananthapuram, who visited the private hospital in Perinthalmanna on the day the Nipah victim received treatment there, and two hospital staffers, both from Palakkad, are among those who tested negative. Nine samples were tested at the Virology Lab at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH), while two were tested at the Advanced Virology Institute in Thonnakkal. Health Minister Veena George said contact tracing, sample collection and testing will continue to ensure that no infection goes unidentified. At present, 406 people are on the contact list of the Nipah victim. Of them, 194 people, including 139 healthcare workers, are in the high-risk category. Fifteen people on the contact list are receiving treatment at various hospitals. Those who test negative and recover from symptoms such as fever will be discharged. However, they should continue in isolation as per protocol, she said. Seven persons had tested negative on Saturday. Meanwhile, a mobile laboratory of the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, will start functioning at the Manjeri Government MCH on Tuesday to test samples for Nipah. Experts from the NIV visited the MCH on Monday to set up the laboratory which will help the health department in testing more samples. As part of prevention efforts, strong field-level measures are being implemented under the leadership of the Health Department. Nipah transmission a puzzle despite fifth outbreak in Kerala Wild hog plum suspected as source Healthcare workers have visited 6,642 houses in Pandikkad and Anakkayam grama panchayats to identify people with symptoms of the infection. They have identified 331 fever cases in Pandikkad and 108 fever cases in Anakkayam. Of them, four from Pandikkad have been included in the primary contact list. Meanwhile, Veena reiterated that chances are high that the 14-year-old boy who died on Sunday contracted the infection after consuming a wild hog plum near his residence. According to a source, a few days before the boy developed fever, he, along with four of his friends, had gone to a spot (around 2km from his house) and bathed in a canal. He also ate a wild hog plum from there, the source added. The health minister said the boys friends have confirmed that he ate wild hog plum from a tree in the area. Also, the presence of bats in the area has been confirmed. Preliminary assessments suggest this might be the source of the virus, but further tests are needed for confirmation, she said. Veena said the virus strain identified this year is the same as the one detected in 2023. Through the tests done earlier, we had confirmed that the Nipah strain found in bats is the same as the one found in humans. So, we are sure that bats are the source of infection. We are trying to identify the presence of the virus in the fruits. Efforts in this regard are underway with the cooperation of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), she said. Veena added that though bats are the source, people should not try to kill them or destroy their dwellings as it will lead to bats spreading the infection. To collect samples from bats, a team of experts from NIV-Pune arrived in the district on Monday. They will visit the Nipah-affected areas and conduct a genomic survey. Another team of experts from the Central Animal Husbandry Department in Bhopal will also arrive in Malappuram for sample collection and study. They will track bats in the area, where the boy was reportedly infected, with the cooperation of the forest department. Plus-I supplementary allotment The Plus-I supplementary allotment in Malappuram district was conducted in adherence to the Nipah protocol. Allotment will continue in the coming days under similar restrictions. The health minister urged strict adherence to wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. The polytechnic allotment in the district will also be conducted similarly. Pension mustering should not be conducted in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats now. The time for mustering in these places will be extended, Veena George said.

Kerala: 14-year-old boy recovers from rare brain infection

KOZHIKODE: A 14-year-old boy from Meladi, Kozhikode, has made a remarkable recovery from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and often fatal brain infection. Recovery from this disease is exceedingly rare, with only 11 known cases worldwide, according to the district health department. The disease, which carries a 97 per cent mortality rate, was successfully treated through early detection and comprehensive medical intervention. The boys journey to recovery began when health workers at the Meladi Primary Health Center suspected his symptoms could indicate brain fever. Acting swiftly, they alerted the necessary authorities. On the same day, the boy experienced epileptic seizures and was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode. The health department promptly delivered Miltefosine, a critical drug for treating this condition, which played a crucial role in his recovery over the following three weeks. Health Minister Veena George praised the medical team for their coordinated efforts and prompt treatment, which were instrumental in saving the boys life. In response to this case, the health department has intensified preventive measures and held special meetings to address the threat of amoebic encephalitis. On July 5, under the leadership of the chief minister, a meeting was held to discuss the preparation of molecular testing systems for early diagnosis of the disease, in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Virology. In a first, Kerala govt issues guidelines to tackle amoebic meningoencephalitis threat

Shirur landslide: Missing lorry drivers mother unhappy with rescue operations

KOZHIKODE: Sheela, the mother of Arjun, a lorry driver who has been missing following a devastating landslip at Shirur in Karnataka, has voiced her frustration and dissatisfaction with the ongoing rescue operations. Arjun has been missing for five days since the landslip occurred, and the family is losing hope due to the slow pace of rescue efforts and non-utilisation of modern technology. The Army was hoping to find my son, but they could do nothing. It has been a week, and we do not even know if he is alive, Sheela lamented. The family has lost trust in the rescue operation, feeling that it is not being conducted efficiently. Sheela further criticised the authorities for not revealing the number of lorries and bodies found beneath the mud. In a desperate plea for better assistance, Sheela mentioned that the family had reached out to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi. The Army can do a better job in these circumstances. We have sent emails to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister, and the Union minister with this demand, she said. Shirur landslide: Angry Keralites gherao Siddaramaiah on social media for not locating missing driver Adding to their frustration, Sheela noted that excavation efforts were halted earlier than usual, and lorry owners and drivers were being treated poorly by the police. It is a joke to show someone that the Army has spent so much on us. There is nothing in their hands that is necessary to save a man, she said, expressing her disappointment with the rescue operations. Despite challenges, a 30-member team from Kozhikodes Mukkam region has started their journey to join the rescue operations. Representing various disaster management teams, including Ente Mukkam, Karma Omassery, and Pulparamba Raksha Sena, the team is determined to assist in rescue operations.

Kozhikode records highest number of food adulteration cases in State

Heightened vigil helped the Food Safety department register 282 cases in the last fiscal, besides exposing many who sold adulterated jaggery

Staff at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital being trained to tackle Nipah cases

14-year-old boy from Kozhikode recovers from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis

Recovery rare as very few people have survived the infection across the world, say Health department sources. There have been five cases, including three deaths, of the infection in Kerala in recent months

In Rare Recovery, Kerala Boy Survives Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Which Has 97% Mortality Rate

Kozhikode: Amidst concerns over the outbreak of deadly virus infections like Nipah in Kerala, the state on Monday reported a rare case of recovery from amoebic meningoencephalitis, which has a 97 per cent mortality rate. State Health Minister Veena George announced that a 14-year-old boy undergoing treatment for the disease has recovered. She described this as a rare occurrence in the country, given the high mortality rate of the disease. Only 11 people worldwide have recovered from amoebic meningoencephalitis, George noted, praising the team that led the coordination and treatment efforts. A highly rare but extremely lethal central nervous system infection, amoebic meningoencephalitis, has been identified as a threat to human health. Caused by free-living amoebae, this deadly infection is typically contracted from freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams. According to an official statement here, when the case was reported, a meeting was convened under the health minister's leadership, and special cautionary instructions were issued. Health workers at the Primary Health Centre in Melady in this district suspected that the boy's symptoms might be meningoencephalitis and alerted the authorities. The boy had an epileptic seizure and was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode on the same day. The Health department provided Miltefosine medicine (a broad-spectrum anti-microbial used to treat free-living amoeba infections), and he recovered after three weeks of treatment. Early detection and access to available treatments contributed to his recovery, the statement said. Following the outbreak of disease, preventive measures were strengthened. On July 5, a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led to instructions for molecular testing facilities to confirm the disease in its early stages. On May 28, the health minister called a meeting to prepare treatment guidelines under expert leadership, resulting in the release of a treatment protocol for amoebic meningoencephalitis on July 20. This was the first comprehensive treatment protocol for the disease in the country, the state health department claimed.

Kerala boy survives amoebic meningoencephalitis

Kozhikode: Amidst concerns over the outbreak of deadly virus infections like Nipah in Kerala, the state on Monday reported a rare case of recovery from amoebic meningoencephalitis, which has a 97 per cent mortality rate. State Health Minister Veena George announced that a 14-year-old boy undergoing treatment for the disease has recovered. She described this Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Nipah test results of 13 Individuals in contact list of victim to be released on Monday evening

MALAPPURAM: The test results of samples taken from 13 individuals on the contact list of Nipah victims from Pandikkad, Kerala, will be released on Monday evening. Nine of these samples are being tested at the Virology Lab at Kozhikode Medical College, while four are being analyzed at the Advanced Virology Institute in Thonnakkal. The results are crucial for Nipah prevention efforts in Kerala, as the 13 individuals include two from Palakkad and four from Thiruvananthapuram. The two individuals from Palakkad are employees of a private hospital where the boy received treatment, while those from Thiruvananthapuram visited the hospital in Perinthalmanna on the same day the boy was treated. Six of these 13 individuals are exhibiting symptoms of the disease. Additionally, the parents of the student who died from Nipah are among those whose samples were sent for testing. 14-year-old Nipah patient dies, Kerala strengthens vigil to prevent spread At present, the contact list includes as many as 350 people, with 101 of them categorized as high-risk. Among the 350 people, 68 are healthcare workers. The private bus used by the student to travel to his tuition center after contracting the disease has been identified. The people in the bus who came in contact with the boy are being determined with the help of CCTV footage. Health Minister Veena George said, The friends of the child have confirmed the Nipah-infected child ate hog plum from a tree in the area. Also, the presence of bats in the area has been confirmed. Preliminary assessments suggest this might be the source of the virus, but further tests are needed for confirmation. A team led by Dr. Balasubramaniam from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) will arrive today in Malappuram to monitor the bats. The health minister said, The state has identified that the Nipah strain found in bats is the same as the strain found in humans. Efforts to detect the virus in fruits are ongoing with the cooperation of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Face masks compulsory in Malappuram Wearing face masks in public places in the district has been made mandatory. Although stringent restrictions have only been declared in two panchayats, each individual has a responsibility to prevent the disease from spreading, the Minister reminded. Those currently under observation must remain in isolation for 21 days as per protocol. The strict observation period starts from the last contact with the patient, the minister said. To identify fever cases in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats, 224 fever surveillance teams have been deployed. These teams are conducting door-to-door inspections. In Anakkayam, 80 teams are in the field, and in Pandikkad, 144 teams are working. The animal husbandry departments surveillance team is also conducting field inspections to monitor diseases in domestic animals. They are collecting samples from animals as well. Counseling will be provided to the classmates of the deceased child to offer mental support. The education department has been instructed to conduct online PTA meetings and counseling sessions. Plus One allotments are being conducted in the schools in the district, strictly adhering to Nipah protocols. A review meeting was held in the Malappuram district collectorate conference hall under the leadership of the Minister. Nipah transmission a puzzle despite fifth outbreak in Kerala

14-year-old Nipah patient dies, Kerala strengthens vigil to prevent spread

MALAPPURAM: The 14-year-old boy who contracted Nipah passed away while under treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Kozhikode on Sunday. A resident of Pandikkad in Malappuram, the boy was on a ventilator and suffered a cardiac arrest around 10.50 am, said Health Minister Veena George. The boy was in an unconscious state. The doctors tried their level best to save the boy. Unfortunately, he passed away around 11.30 am, minister said. Though the health department received monoclonal antibodies to treat the boy from the Indian Council of Medical Research on Sunday, he died before the doctors could administer it. Meanwhile, in a development that offers some relief, samples taken from seven people, including six on the contact list of the boy, tested negative on the day. Of the seven persons, six are friends of the deceased boy. The seventh individual is a 68-year-old man who is not on the contact list. Three samples each from the seven individuals were tested. The results have come negative. The six children are currently under observation at Manjeri MCH, and the 68-year-old is under observation in Kozhikode MCH. The 68-year-olds sample was tested because he had a fever, Veena said. At present, 330 people, including 68 healthcare workers, are on the contact list of the 14-year-old boy. Of them, 101 people are in the high-risk category. No one in the family of the deceased boy has shown any symptoms of the disease. State prepared to tackle Nipah outbreak, says Kerala Health Minister The health minister indicated that the department may be able to identify the source of the infection soon. Our team visited some areas where the boy visited with his friends. They ate hog plums from a tree in the area. A test will be conducted on Monday to identify the source, Veena said. She said all persons on the contact list will be tested. The process of collecting samples and testing them will continue. Samples from those showing symptoms will be tested first. A more detailed and clearer route map containing information about the deceased boy will be released soon. After reviewing the route map, those likely to be on the contact list should inform the control room. CCTV footage from the hospitals where the child was treated has been checked to ensure no one on the contact list is missed, the minister said. Meanwhile, the health department on Sunday started a survey to identify people with symptoms of Nipah infection in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats, where restrictions have been imposed. The Nipah puzzle The recurrence of Nipah in the Kozhikode-Malappuram area continues to perplex authorities and experts alike. Despite directives from the government to conduct extensive surveillance in Kozhikode to understand the persistence of the virus since last September, there has not been much headway. Central team Centre to deploy team to support Kerala in probing Nipah virus case A central team will arrive in the state soon to assist in finding the source of the infection. The Union government has asked the state to speed up the Nipah prevention activities, including contact tracing and identifying others with infection. Mobile lab from Pune institute to reach today A survey conducted in 307 houses in Pandikkad panchayat identified 18 fever cases. A survey in 310 houses in Anakkayam reported 10 fever cases. However, none of them are on the contact list. An online meeting of the presidents of Pandikkad, Anakkayam, Porur, Keezhattur, and Tuvvur panchayats and the chairpersons of Perinthalmanna and Manjeri municipalities was held to ensure proper implementation of disease prevention activities and support to those in isolation. Meetings of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and private hospital management were also held to ensure their support in Nipah prevention. Arrangements have been made to deliver food to the homes of those in isolation and to ensure that their pets also receive food, said Veena. A mobile lab from Pune Virology Institute will arrive in the district on Monday for sample testing. This lab will operate with the cooperation of the microbiology lab at the Kozhikode MCH. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the boy died of Nipah was buried at a kabarstan near his residence in accordance with Nipah protocols. Plus-I allotment following protocols Veena George directed that the Plus-I allotment scheduled for Monday in the district should strictly follow Nipah protocol. There are three higher secondary schools in Anakkayam and Pandikkad panchayats. Students and parents should follow Nipah protocols, including social distancing, wearing N95 masks, and using sanitisers. CM seeks public coop Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged people to cooperate with the health department to prevent the spread of the virus. Do not destroy bat habitats, do not eat fruits bitten or discarded by any animals, do not drink the honey from banana flowers, and if you come into contact with bats, their droppings, or anything they have bitten, wash your hands with soap or sanitize them. If you have any doubts, call the Nipah control room, the Chief Minister said.

In a first, Kerala govt issues guidelines to tackle amoebic meningoencephalitis threat

KOZHIKODE: Kerala has released guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the rare disease amoebic meningoencephalitis . With very little scientific study results available on the disease, the state decided to prepare comprehensive guidelines based on existing studies and observations on its own, Health Minister Veena George said in a statement on Sunday. This is the first time that such a guideline is being issued in the country, according to the health department. A committee will be appointed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research for further study, the statement said. Veena has directed government and private hospitals to follow the guidelines strictly. According to the statement, amoebic meningoencephalitis is now being treated with a combination of five drugs known to be effective against the disease. The disease can be cured in those who start taking medicines as soon as possible. Therefore, medicines should be given as soon as symptoms start and that can reduce the death rate. The primary symptoms are severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty in turning the neck. Later, when it reaches a critical condition, symptoms like epilepsy, fainting, and memory loss also occur, the health ministers statement said. Kozhikode patient to be discharged today The 14-year-old boy from Thikkodi, who is under treatment at the Kozhikode medical college for amoebic meningoencephalitis, is set to be discharged on Monday. His latest PCR test result was negative. The boy was diagnosed with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) on July 5. His father, Siddique, said the hospital authorities informed the family that the boy has recovered. Currently, a three-and-a-half-year-old boy from Pariyaram in Kannur district is undergoing treatment in Kozhikode with amoebic meningoencephalitis symptoms. What is amoebic meningoencephalitis? PAM scare in Kerala: Avoid exposure, stay away from dirty water, urge experts Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare disease that occurs in people who come in contact with standing or running water sources. Estimates indicate that only one in 26 lakh people who come in contact with such water gets the disease. The disease usually occurs when Naegleria fowleri, a type of amoeba, infects the brain. Three deaths in Kerala this year A five-year-old girl from Munniyoor, Malappuram, died of the disease in May. A 13-year-old girl , V Dakshina of Kannur, died of the disease on June 12 while under treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Another 13-year-old, Mridul of Feroke, passed away in July while undergoing treatment in Kozhikode.

Shirur landslide: Angry Keralites gherao Siddaramaiah on social media for not locating missing driver

KOZHIKODE: Angered by the delay in rescuing Arjun Mooladikuzhiyil, who went missing in the landslide at Uttara Kannada on July 16, Keralites are flooding social media posts by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with comments against his governments inefficiency in the search operations. Keralites posted SaveArjun and ShameKarnatakaGovernment beneath the Facebook posts of Siddaramaiah where he mentioned visiting to the site, and posted photos of the visit. Angry reactions in the comments blamed the inefficiency of the Karnataka government to locate the truck driven by Arjun even after six days of search. One post on X (formerly Twitter) tagged Elon Musk seeking his intervention. Your involvement in highlighting and aiding crises has made a difference before. Hoping you can help bring attention and action to this urgent situation, the post said. People in Kannadikkal area under the aegis of Janakeeya Koottayma took out a march on Saturday night and Sunday morning against the delay in rescue operations. However, Asif Azeez, Arjuns neighbour, said the posts on Siddaramaiahs FB posts were not initiated by the Koottayma. But we share the concerns expressed in the comments, he said. Asif said around 200 people gathered at Kannadikkal at 8.30pm on Saturday upon learning that the search was temporarily halted at night. The protest was organised by a WhatsApp group. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah, in an FB post, denied allegations of delay in search operations, and said strong action will be taken if it is found that unscientific construction of the road led to the mishap. He also said there will be no search operations at night. After a review meeting, he said that the process of giving compensation to the victims will be expedited. Landslide at Shirur in Uttara Kannada district leaves ten buried, rescue underway Shirur landslide: NDRF team tie floating fuel tanker to riverbank

Nipah transmission a puzzle despite fifth outbreak in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recurrence of Nipah in the Kozhikode-Malappuram area continues to perplex authorities and experts alike. Kozhikode reported outbreaks in 2018, 2021, and 2023, while Malappuram reported cases in 2018 and 2024. Ernakulam recorded a single case in 2019. Despite directives from the government to conduct extensive surveillance in Kozhikode to understand the persistence of the virus since September last year, there has not been much headway. A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) detected Nipah virus antibodies in bats from Kozhikode and Wayanad. However, the reasons behind the virus localised impact and its transmission in humans remain unclear. Fruit bats, recognised as carriers, are widespread, and experts suggest multiple factors such as climate variations, environmental degradation, and the characteristics of index cases ( people who first contracted the virus from an animal) contribute to outbreaks in the Kozhikode-Malappuram region. Dense forest cover, climate change driving zoonotic diseases in Kerala When Nipah was first reported in Malaysia in 1998, it was pointed out that bats that were affected by El Nino came up to urban dwellings in large number. In Bangladesh and Bengal, the bat excreta led to the outbreak. We are yet to establish a clear link. But there is a commonality among the victims (index cases). All of them are males in the age of 12 to 25, who are active and adventurous, said Dr Althaf A, a public health expert and professor at Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He pointed out that establishing the epidemiological link requires sustained efforts. An animal pathologist who has done extensive study on bats in Kozhikode in 2018 said, on conditions of anonymity, that the virus-carrying bats may not be limited to Kozhikode and Malappuram. There are bats everywhere. There are also many places in Kerala which have conditions similar to that of Kozhikode which includes the presence of mangroves, urban forest, etc. We need to find if certain bat colonies harbour more viruses and the factors behind it. It is proven that bats unload more virus when they are stressed during the birthing, food scarcity, overcrowding, inclement weather etc, he said. Vigil tightened in Wayanad dist District Medical Officer Dr P Dineesh has said that special vigilance should be exercised in Wayanad, following the confirmation of Nipah infection in Malappuram district. The 14-year-old who died of Nipah had gone on an excursion to Wayanad a week ago. Health centres in the district have been directed to strengthen surveillance activities further. The DMO said that people should be more cautious because the antibody was confirmed in bats from Noolpuzha and Mananthavady Pazhassi Park in the district last year.

Sit-in protest staged against street dog menace in Kozhikode

Nipah Virus: 330 people on contact list, 101 in high-risk category, says Kerala Health Minister

Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed that seven samples tested for the Nipah Virus were negative, and 330 people are on the contact list. 101 out of 330 are in the high-risk category, and 6 were in direct contact with the deceased child. The Health Department is continuing to test samples from those in the contact list. The 14-year-old boy who tested positive for the virus at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital died on Sunday afternoon.

Man under virtual arrest loses 1.5 cr. to conmen in online fraud

Incidents of extortion of money by fraudsters impersonating as probe officers continue to be reported from Kozhikode despite warnings

Nipah Outbreak: Tamil Nadu instructs Officials to Hold Surveillance in Districts Bordering Kerala

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has directed health officials to strengthen surveillance in districts bordering Kerala, after the Nipah-virus was detected in the neighbouring state. In an advisory, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine instructed the department officials to screen all symptomatic cases of Nipah, using protective equipment to prevent the spread of the infection to those administering the test. The department has instructed the Deputy Director of Health Services to strengthen the surveillance on Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (fever with altered sensorium) in the bordering districts of Kerala. A boy in Kerala who had those symptoms passed away, and his sample tested positive for Nipah. Those cases admitted from the bordering districts of Kerala, especially Kozhikode and Malappuram, should be followed up, the advisory said. Government and private hospitals should be alerted about the Nipah virus outbreak and health teams should be deployed at border check-posts round-the-clock to screen all symptomatic cases especially in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari, the advisory said. Stating that the Human Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic disease, the advisory said it was first recognised in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998. Again in 2001 and 2007 two outbreaks were reported in India. In 2018, a major outbreak was reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala with 18 confirmed cases and 17 persons dead. The outbreaks occurred during the months of winter to spring (December-May) and transmission of the Nipah virus to humans may occur after direct contact with infected bats, infected pigs or from other Nipah virus infected people. Fruit bats are the usual reservoir of the virus, and humans can become infected by accidentally consuming bat-contaminated fruits, it added. Fever, altered mental status and severe weakness were some of the symptoms, and in general, the case fatality rate is estimated at 40-75 per cent. Currently there is no known treatment or vaccine available for either people or animals and intensive supportive care with treatment of symptoms is the main approach to managing the infection in people, the advisory said. Earlier in the day, in a statement, the Union Health ministry said a 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode exhibited the acute encephalitis syndrome and was admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health centre in the district. He succumbed to the disease and samples were sent to the Pune-based National Institute of Virology, which confirmed Nipah virus infection.

Kerala CM Vijayan condoles over death of boy infected with Nipah virus

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed condolences over the death of the 14-year-old boy who succumbed to Nipah in Malappuram. Vijayan said all efforts were made to save the teenager. State Health Minister Veena George informed that the 14-year-old boy from Kerala's Malappuram, who was under treatment at Kozhikode medical college for Nipah infection, died on Sunday. George said the boy from Pandikkad suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10.50 am on Sunday and efforts to revive him failed. He was on a ventilator and was not conscious. The urine output had reduced this morning. After the massive cardiac arrest, the revival efforts failed and he passed away at 11.30 am, she said. The chief minister, in a statement, exhorted everyone to work together to combat the Nipah virus and implored citizens not to destroy the natural habitats of bats. He also cautioned people against eating fruits half bitten by animals and those found abandoned, besides avoiding the hone

Nipah outbreak: TN instructs officials to hold surveillance in districts bordering Kerala

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has directed health officials to strengthen surveillance in districts bordering Kerala, after the Nipah-virus was detected in the neighbouring state. In an advisory, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine instructed the department officials to screen all symptomatic cases of Nipah, using protective equipment to prevent the spread of the infection to those administering the test. The department has instructed the Deputy Director of Health Services to strengthen the surveillance on Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (fever with altered sensorium) in the bordering districts of Kerala. A boy in Kerala who had those symptoms passed away, and his sample tested positive for Nipah. Those cases admitted from the bordering districts of Kerala, especially Kozhikode and Malappuram, should be followed up, the advisory said. 14-year-old infected with Nipah virus in Kerala dies, Centre to assist in tackling outbreak Government and private hospitals should be alerted about the Nipah virus outbreak and health teams should be deployed at border check-posts round-the-clock to screen all symptomatic cases especially in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari, the advisory said. Stating that the Human Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic disease, the advisory said it was first recognised in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998. Again in 2001 and 2007 two outbreaks were reported in India. In 2018, a major outbreak was reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala with 18 confirmed cases and 17 persons dead. The outbreaks occurred during the months of winter to spring (December-May) and transmission of the Nipah virus to humans may occur after direct contact with infected bats, infected pigs or from other Nipah virus infected people. Fruit bats are the usual reservoir of the virus, and humans can become infected by accidentally consuming bat-contaminated fruits, it added. Fever, altered mental status and severe weakness were some of the symptoms, and in general, the case fatality rate is estimated at 40-75 per cent. Currently there is no known treatment or vaccine available for either people or animals and intensive supportive care with treatment of symptoms is the main approach to managing the infection in people, the advisory said. Earlier in the day, in a statement, the Union Health ministry said a 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode exhibited the acute encephalitis syndrome and was admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health centre in the district. He succumbed to the disease and samples were sent to the Pune-based National Institute of Virology, which confirmed Nipah virus infection.

Rescue of missing driver: lorry drivers plan Statewide strike

It was on July 16 that the Kozhikode native went missing following a landslip in Uttara Kannada

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan condoles death of 14-year-old boy infected with Nipah

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed condolences over the death of the 14-year-old boy who succumbed to Nipah in Malappuram. Vijayan said all efforts were made to save the teenager. State Health Minister Veena George informed that the 14-year-old boy from Kerala's Malappuram, who was under treatment at Kozhikode medical college for Nipah infection, died on Sunday. George said the boy from Pandikkad suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10.50 am on Sunday and efforts to revive him failed. He was on a ventilator and was not conscious. The urine output had reduced this morning. After the massive cardiac arrest, the revival efforts failed and he passed away at 11.30 am, she said. 14-year-old infected with Nipah virus in Kerala dies, Centre to assist in tackling outbreak The chief minister, in a statement, exhorted everyone to work together to combat the Nipah virus and implored citizens not to destroy the natural habitats of bats. He also cautioned people against eating fruits half bitten by animals and those found abandoned, besides avoiding the honey found in plantain trees. In case of any contact with bats, their excreta or anything they may have bitten, wash hands with soap or use sanitizer. Contact the Nipah control room for clarification if any, he informed. The health minister said currently there are three people under isolation at Kozhikode Medical College where the deceased boy was undergoing treatment. At Manjeri Medical college, four high-risk category people are admitted, out of which one person is in ICU, the minister said, adding that the results of their samples will be out today itself. The minister said the boy went to school on May 11 and till now there are not many cases of patients with symptoms. State prepared to tackle Nipah outbreak, says Kerala Health Minister Earlier in the day, George had informed that there were a total of 246 people in the contact list of the boy out of which 63 were under the high-risk category. We will be testing all under the high-risk category but initially those with symptoms will be tested. We have labs in the state and a mobile lab from the Pune NIV is arriving in the state, she said. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan termed the death as unfortunate and said the government failed to address the issue of deterioration of public health in Kerala. It was unfortunate that a boy lost his life due to Nipah. This shows that infectious and communicable diseases are still prevalent in the state. The opposition had raised the issue of the spread of epidemics and the deterioration of public health in the state Assembly, but the government has failed to address it, Satheesan said. He claimed that the primary reason for Kerala's public health crisis is the halt in waste removal. The state is suffering from a lack of pre-monsoon cleaning, he said. The government does not have any data on any disease. We had COVID-19, cholera, shigella, hepatitis and now Nipah. Action should be taken to prevent the spread of deadly diseases by coordinating all departments urgently. We are not trying to blame the government. The government should take action. Everyone should follow the instructions of the health department, Satheesan said. He said the UDF will organise a health conclave to discuss the issues faced by public health in the state. The state government had announced recently that a special action calendar was being prepared for the prevention of a Nipah outbreak, which has haunted the state on four occasions in the past. Nipah outbreaks have been reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021 and 2023 and in Ernakulam district in 2019, and the presence of Nipah virus antibodies had been detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts. Centre to deploy team to support Kerala in probing Nipah virus case

Nipah Virus Death: 14-Year-Old Kerala Boy Dies of Massive Cardiac Arrest During Treatment, State On High Alert

Nipah Death In Kerala: 14-year-old boy under treatment dies of cardiac arrest at Kozhikode. Read on to know more about this virus.

Nipah virus: Centre to deploy outbreak response team to assist Kerala Govt.

Hyderabad: The Central government on Sunday advised the Kerala State government to take up immediate public health measures to contain the Nipah virus. It said a joint outbreak response Central team will be deployed to assist the State with case investigation, identification of epidemiological linkages, and technical support. According to a statement, the Central government said a case of Nipah virus has been detected in Mallapuram district of Kerala. A 14-year-old boy from Mallapuram exhibited AES symptoms and was admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health center in Kozhikode. However, the patient later succumbed to the disease. The samples were sent to NIV, Pune which has confirmed a Nipah virus infection. In wake of outbreak of the virus in Mallapuram, the Centre advised the following immediate public health measures to be taken by the Kerala State government especially active case search in the family of the confirmed case, the neighborhood, and areas with similar topography apart from active contact tracing (for any contacts) during past 12 days. Strict quarantine of the contacts of the case and isolation of any suspects must be ensured, besides collecting and transporting samples for lab testing. A multi- member joint outbreak response team from the National One Health Mission of Union Health Ministry will be deployed to support the State in investigating the case, identifying epidemiological linkages, and providing technical assistance. Additionally, at the State's request, ICMR had sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management, and a mobile BSL-3 laboratory for testing additional samples from contacts has arrived in Kozhikode. The Monoclonal Antibodies had reached before the patient died but could not be used due to his poor general condition. It is important to note that outbreaks of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) have been reported in Kerala in the past, with the most recent one occurring in 2023 in the Kozhikode district. Fruit bats are the usual reservoir of the virus, and humans can become infected by accidentally consuming bat contaminated fruits.

Boy with Nipah virus dies in Kerala: Health min Veena George

Kozhikode: The 14-year-old boy from Keralas Malappuram, who was under treatment here for Nipah infection, died on Sunday, state Health Minister Veena George said. George said the boy from Pandikkad suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10.50 am on Sunday and efforts to revive him failed. He was on a ventilator and was not conscious. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

14-year-old Boy Dies of Nipah Virus in Kerala

Kozhikode: The 14-year-old boy from Kerala's Malappuram, who was undergoing treatment here for Nipah infection, died on Sunday, state Health Minister Veena George said. George said the boy from Pandikkad suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 10.50 am on Sunday and efforts to revive him failed. He was on ventilator support. The urine output had reduced this morning. After a massive cardiac arrest, the revival efforts failed and he passed away at 11.30 am, George said. The minister said the funeral will be held following international protocols. Further matters on the funeral will be decided only after the district Collector holds discussion with the boy's parents and the family, George said.

Kerala Nipah virus outbreak:14-year-old dies at Kozhikode Medical College

The death toll has risen to 21 since the outbreak of the virus in 2018 in Kozhikode

Nipah death again in Kerala, 14-year-old boy under treatment dies at Kozhikode MCH

Asked about the final rites of the deceased, Ms. George said that the district administration would hold talks with his parents and take a decision as per the Nipah protocol

14-year-old infected with Nipah virus in Kerala dies

MALAPPURAM: The 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad in Malappuram who was infected with Nipah passed away on Sunday while under treatment for the disease at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The boy, who was surviving with the help of a ventilator at the hospital, suffered a massive cardiac arrest at around 10:50 am. The boy was in an unconscious state. The urine output of the boy was very low. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest. The doctors tried their level best to save the boy. Unfortunately, he passed away at around 11:30 am, said Health Minister Veena George. The Minister said the post-death formalities will be done following the international Nipah protocol. We will discuss with the family members of the boy to finalize the formalities related to the funeral. At present, three people are in isolation at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), and four people are in isolation at Manjeri GMCH. Of the four individuals in Manjeri GMCH, one person is in the intensive care unit. The results of the samples taken from them will be received soon. They all have viral fever. However, there is no need to panic, and people in the contact list should not be worried, Veena said. The health department received monoclonal antibody from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) today. However, the boy passed away before the doctors could administer the antibody. The health minister said there are 246 people in the Nipah contact list in the district, with 63 of them in the high-risk category. A mobile testing lab from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune will reach the district today. Though we have facilities for Nipah testing at Kozhikode Medical College and Thonnakkal Institute of Advanced Virology, the test results from the NIV are required to confirm the infection. Samples from everyone in the high-risk category will be tested. However, initially, the samples will be taken from the people showing symptoms of the disease, Veena said. Special fever clinics to be set up The Health Minister informed that special fever clinics will be started in Wandoor, Nilambur, and Karuvarakundu - areas near the panchayat where Nipah was confirmed. A house-to-house survey will be conducted in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats to identify people with symptoms. There are 16,711 houses in Pandikkad and 16,248 houses in Anakkayam. A team consisting of officials from the health, local self-government, and animal husbandry departments, along with volunteers, will conduct the survey. State prepared to tackle Nipah outbreak, says Kerala Health Minister

State prepared to tackle Nipah outbreak, says Kerala Health Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the outbreak of the Nipah virus in Malappuram, Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that the state is fully prepared to tackle the issue. She informed that 214 people are on the primary contact list, whereas 60 are high-risk and all those on the contact list should be isolated. The Health Minister said that after the Nipah virus was confirmed in Malappuram, preventive measures have intensified. Vigorous activities have been going on since this morning. The state is prepared. On the basis of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) formed as part of the government order for Nipah control, 25 committees have been constituted. Contact tracing started on Saturday morning. There are 214 people in the primary contact list. 60 people who were closely involved in this are in the high-risk category. 30 isolation rooms have been arranged in Manjeri Medical College. Apart from this, necessary isolation wards have also been arranged in Kozhikode Medical College. Route map will be published, she added. The minister requested those who were in those places at the time to contact the control room. George said that all high-risk contacts will have their samples tested. The patient has been shifted to Kozhikode Medical College. A 24-hour NIPA control room has been opened. Those with Nipah symptoms should call the control room. Fever can be accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: headache, fits cough, breathing problem. If you have respiratory symptoms, you are more likely to spread it to others. In the case of Nipah disease, the symptoms may increase with time and the risk of spreading the disease may increase as the severity of the disease increases, she added. She further asserted that everyone in the district must wear a mask when they go out in public places. Avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Those on the contact list should be isolated. Even if only one person in a household is on the contact list, do not come in contact with others. Don't be afraid at all. Earlier, the Health Minister said on Saturday that a 14-year-old boy has tested positive for the Nipah virus in Kerala's Malappuram. NIV Pune has confirmed that the suspected case of a 14-year-old boy is Nipah positive. A contact list of the boys will be prepared and the samples of those in a high-risk category will be sent for testing. A meeting will be held with the district collector and district police chief to discuss the restrictions to be imposed in the 3 km radius of the epicentre. Residents of Malappuram should wear masks compulsory and remain cautious, she said. Kerala: Malappuram teen tests positive for Nipah The minister also convened a high-level meeting on Saturday in the Malappuram district after reports of a suspected case of the 'Nipah' virus in the state. The meeting discussed the measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of the public. The officials also reviewed the current situation and the steps taken so far to control the outbreak. She reached Malappuram to lead the efforts to control the outbreak. The government has also constituted committees to oversee the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Nipah virus control. The meeting was attended by top officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, the Director of the National Health Mission, and the District Collectors of Malappuram and Kozhikode. As per officials, the samples of the suspected patient were sent to the Pune virology lab. Last month, the Kerala Health Minister announced that Nipah prevention efforts will be intensified in the state, particularly during the critical months of May to September, when the virus is most likely to spread.

Shirur landslide: Five days on, search continues for Arjun in Kerala

KOZHIKODE/ANKOLA : Efforts to locate Arjun Mooladikuzhiyil, a truck driver from Kozhikode, and others who went missing following a massive landslide at Shirur in Uttara Kannada five days ago failed to yield results even on Saturday. According to authorities, heavy rain and harsh terrain were hampering the search operations. Meanwhile, relatives of Arjun expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing search operations by state authorities and sought the intervention of the Army. On Saturday morning, the NDRF and state agencies resumed their efforts to locate the three persons, including Arjun, who went missing in the landslide that occurred along the national highway at Shirur in Ankola on July 16. Equipment like ground penetrating radar and metal detectors were being employed to help with the rescue efforts. According to officials, seven bodies have been recovered so far since the incident. Arjun, 30, of Kannadikkal, was on his way to Kerala when he went missing along with his truck. He had started his journey from Jagalpet after loading timber in the truck. He reportedly stopped to have tea at a hotel at Shirur when the mishap occurred. Arjuns relatives stated that they have lost faith in the effectiveness of the search operation by state authorities. Abhirami, Arjuns sister, told reporters that the family has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with the request to bring in Army for the search operation. It is imperative that the Army takes charge, or at the very least, rescue teams from Kerala should be allowed to assist in the operation. We have numerous volunteers ready to provide support on-site, she said. Abhirami also highlighted an incident where one of the owners of the truck Arjun was driving, accompanied by a Kerala-based rescue worker, was manhandled by a Karnataka police officer. The officials in Karnataka wasted the initial two days by delaying the filing of an FIR. The police registered a man missing case only two days after the landslide though we had informed them on the same day, Abhirami lamented. Kannadikkal residents stage protest Furthermore, the relatives expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the rescue efforts. While bodies and vehicles have been recovered, they emphasised that the officials are tightlipped about developments. The search operations should not be halted until Arjuns whereabouts are determined, demanded the relatives. People in Kannadikkal, the native place of Arjun, staged a protest on Saturday night alleging Karnataka governments apathy in conducting effective search operations. Cutting across political affiliations, people blocked the road after they heard the news that search operations were halted due to inclement weather. Shirur landslide: NDRF team tie floating fuel tanker to riverbank Landslide at Shirur in Uttara Kannada district leaves ten buried, rescue underway

Teen addiction to vloggers, social media influencers raises concern

KOZHIKODE : In the lines of excessive online gaming and use of social media platforms, regularly keeping up with online influencers and following food and travel vlogs has become a kind of digital addiction among teenagers. Social media influencers are often perceived as role models and trendsetters, with their opinions and behaviour impacting particularly adolescents. Irrespective of gender, teenagers are more attracted to social media content, especially that produced by vloggers and influencers. Some extreme cases of addiction have even led to hospitalisation. Children see them as role models and idols and try to copy their lifestyles or go to any extreme to imitate their styles, says Dr P N Suresh Kumar, a Kozhikode-based psychiatrist. There was a recent case of a 16-year-old girl from Kozhikode with an addiction to South Korean idols. She stopped taking her meals, which affected her health and studies as well, Dr Suresh pointed out. Psychologists and officials with the Digital De-Addiction (D-DAD) centres of the Kerala police are equally concerned about the addiction of youngsters to social media influencers. D-DAD centres, which were started under the leadership of directorate of social policing, have been providing free counselling to kids up to 18 years of age with digital addiction, which has led to rising stress levels and personality disorders, notes K A Sasidharan, additional superintendent of police in-charge of Kozhikode social policing and D-DAD. Addiction to vlogs and the lifestyle of social media influencers is a growing concern. Since the pandemic, children have been more exposed to mobile phones and internet use due to online classes. Now its important to teach them safe internet usage of online content and help them avoid any kind of addiction, Sasidharan said. According to officials, livestreamers also play a vital role in attracting youngsters to online games. Sahana S Rajan, from Cheruvannur, Kozhikode, who has over 3.5 lakh subscribers to her YouTube channel Reenas Kalavara and 2 lakh followers on Facebook and Instagram, says she is happy about people following her and recognising her talent on social media. The mother of two daughters, however, is also worried about digital addiction among children. The content that social media influencers create is vast. This includes daily routines, pranks and even casual conversation. We cannot predict how the content will affect people. A social media influencers first priority is to create content that will instantly attract people, says Sahana. However, as in any field, content creators must be careful about what they do. In terms of addiction among children, the safe and limited use of internet or gadgets should be encouraged at homes. Nothing should be allowed to adversely affect the studies or well being of children, including social media, added Sahana, who is a member of Content Creators of Kerala, a registered organisation for social media content creators. Safe internet usage among children Fix a period for teenagers using mobile phones, laptops, computers or tabs Monitor the contents accessed by children on gadgets Teach kids to check the credibility of information accessed through social media Use security features to access any gadget or apps. Keep the passwords confidential among parents Assist children while they are using gadgets for studies or learning new skills Observe behavioural changes in children In case of professional psychological assistance for digital addiction, dial Chiri helpline 9497900200 of the Kerala Police D-DAD Centres Digital De-Addiction (D-DAD) centres, started under the leadership of directorate of social policing, have been providing free counselling to kids up to 18 years of age with digital addiction, which has led to rising stress levels and personality disorders Cant predict the effect on people Sahana S Rajan, of Cheruvannur, Kozhikode, who has over 3.5 lakh subscribers to her YouTube channel Reenas Kalavara and 2 lakh followers on Facebook and Instagram, says, The content that influencers create is vast. We cannot predict how it will affect people but we must be careful about what they do. 16-year-old girl from Kozhikode with an addiction to South Korean idols, had stopped taking her meals, which affected her health and studies

10th edition of Malabar River Festival set to begin on July 25

Kayaking icons from all over the world have started arriving for the festival that will be held in Chalippuzha and Iruvazhinji rivers in upland Kozhikode

14-year-old boy from Kerala's Malappuram tests positive for Nipah

MALAPPURAM: A 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad in Malappuram tested positive for Nipah on Saturday. The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed that the child was infected with Nipah by testing his sample. In the morning, the health department revealed that the child tested positive for Nipah in the tests conducted in Kerala. However, the department said the results from NIV should be received to confirm the infection in the child. Later, in the evening, the state government received the test result from NIV and officially declared Nipah infection in the state. Health Minister Veena George reached the district in the evening to coordinate the Nipah prevention activities. Veena said, The tests conducted by NIV, Pune confirmed that the child is Nipah positive. Hence, residents of the district should remain vigilant. The health condition of the infected boy is critical and he was shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital from the private hospital in Kozhikode where he was admitted earlier with critical health issues. The health department revealed that as many as 214 people in the contact list of the child are under observation for Nipah. Among the 214 people, 60 people are in the high-risk category. The people under observation will be kept in isolation and their samples of the people in the high risk category will be collected and tested immediately. Veena said that measures were taken to identify all people who came in contact with the child. The route map of the child will also be released soon. The timings of the child's travel will also be released with the route map. The people who traveled with the child should inform the health department using the service of the Nipah control room. The control room will assist people to conduct tests and clear their concerns related to the infection, she said. The boy developed a fever on July 10. He sought treatment at a private clinic on July 12. He was also taken to a private hospital in Pandikkad on July 13. Although he was admitted to the same private hospital last Monday, he was later transferred to another private hospital in Perinthalmanna. Subsequently, he was shifted to the private hospital in Kozhikode. The infection was confirmed from a sample collected at the private hospital in Kozhikode. The health department was quick to respond to the threat of Nipah. A 24-hour Nipah control room started operating in the district on Saturday. From early Saturday morning, measures according to the Nipah protocol have been initiated. In accordance with the standard operating procedure established by the government for Nipah control, 25 committees have been urgently formed and have begun operations in the district. Monoclonal antibodies from the Pune Virology Lab are expected to arrive in Kerala on Sunday morning to treat Nipah patients. Instructions have also been given to Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) to deliver other medications, masks, PPE kits, and testing kits. Thirty isolation rooms have been set up at Manjeri Medical College Hospital. Additionally, a six-bed ICU has also been set up there, Veena said. said. The health department asked the people in Malappuram to use face masks to prevent the spread of the infection. The district administration imposed restrictions on Pandikkad and Anakkayam Panchayats. The boy is a resident of Thalappoliparamb in Pandikkad Panchayat. People should follow the protocol of social distancing. Travel to these panchayats and out of these panchayats should be reduced. The number of people attending functions, including marriages, should be reduced. Madrasas and tuition centres should not be opened on Sundays. Shops should operate from 10 am to 5 pm in the panchayats till another announcement on the matter from the district administration. People should not treat symptoms by themselves. Instead, they should seek help from the health centers, said Malappuram District Collector V R Vinod, adding that more restrictions will be imposed after conducting a meeting with concerned departments on Sunday morning. Nipah control room numbers: 0483-2732010 0483-2732050 0483-2732060 0483-2732090

Medicine Brought From Germany To Combat Amoebic Encephalitis Epidemic In Keralas Kozhikode

The medicine was administered to a young boy, reported to be infected with the condition.

Suspected Nipah outbreak in Malappuram; high-level meeting convened

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday convened a high-level meeting to take steps to prevent a Nipah outbreak in the state. The meeting was convened in the wake of an outbreak of the virus infection that was suspected in northern Malappuram district. According to local media reports, a boy from Malappuram, who is under treatment in a private hospital in neighbouring Kozhikode, was suspected to have symptoms of Nipah and his samples were sent to a central lab for a detailed scientific examination. As per a statement from the Health Minister's office, the final test results were yet to be received but steps, as per the Nipah protocol, have already been initiated in the morning. The actions would be coordinated according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated as per the government order with regard to Nipah prevention, it said. The health minister would reach Malappuram soon and lead the Nipah prevention activities, the statement added. Various higher officia

Suspected Nipah case spreads scare in Keralas Malappuram

15-year-old boy from Chembrassery in Malappuram district admitted to private hospital in Kozhikode with Nipah symptoms

Kerala Health Minister Takes Action to Prevent Potential Nipah Virus Outbreak

Kerala: On Saturday, July 20, Kerala's Health Minister Veena George held an urgent meeting to address a potential Nipah virus outbreak in the state. This meeting was convened following concerns about a possible Nipah infection in the northern Malappuram district. Reports indicate that a young boy from Malappuram, currently being treated at a private hospital in nearby Kozhikode, showed symptoms consistent with Nipah virus. His samples have been sent to a central laboratory for thorough analysis. Although final test results are still pending, the Health Minister's office confirmed that preventive measures are already underway according to established Nipah protocols. These actions will follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by government guidelines for Nipah virus management. The Health Minister plans to travel to Malappuram soon to oversee the Nipah prevention efforts personally. The high-level meeting included key officials such as the health secretary, the National Health Mission state director, and the district collectors of Kozhikode and Malappuram. The state government recently announced the development of a special action plan to prevent a Nipah outbreak, a virus that has previously affected Kerala on four occasions. Nipah outbreaks have occurred in Kozhikode in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam in 2019. Additionally, Nipah virus antibodies have been detected in bats across Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts. Recent Updates: Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala: What You Need to Know About Prevention What is the Chandipura Virus? Know the Latest Outbreak in Gujarat High Rejection Rate for PM CARES Applications for COVID Orphans

Nipah outbreak suspected in Kerala's Malappuram; high-level meeting convened

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday convened a high-level meeting to take steps to prevent a Nipah outbreak in the state. The meeting was convened in the wake of an outbreak of the virus infection that was suspected in northern Malappuram district. According to local media reports, a boy from Malappuram, who is under treatment in a private hospital in neighbouring Kozhikode, was suspected to have symptoms of Nipah and his samples were sent to a central lab for a detailed scientific examination. As per a statement from the Health Minister's office, the final test results were yet to be received but steps, as per the Nipah protocol, have already been initiated in the morning. The actions would be coordinated according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated as per the government order with regard to Nipah prevention, it said. The health minister would reach Malappuram soon and lead the Nipah prevention activities, the statement added. Various higher officials, including the health secretary, National Health Mission state director, district collectors of Kozhikode and Malappuram and health director took part in the meeting, it added. The state government had announced recently that a special action calendar was being prepared for the prevention of a Nipah outbreak, which has haunted the state on four occasions in the past. Nipah outbreaks have been reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019, and the presence of Nipah virus antibodies had been detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts.

With sevens, Malayalis to give football in UK a Kerala twist

KOZHIKODE: Following the excitement of the European Championship and the Copa America, Keralites in the UK have more football action to look forward to. The All-UK Keralites Football Tournament, featuring a distinctive Malappuram-style sevens twist, kicks off on Saturday in Warrington. The tournament will see 16 teams from major UK cities competing for honours. The Malayale association behind the event aims to introduce Keralas unique version of football to the UK. After the pandemic, there has been a significant influx of Malayalis to the UK, mostly students from the Malabar region, said Sheejo Varghese, president of the Warrington Malayali Association. This tournament is a way to acknowledge and share our cultural heritage in sports. With many Malayali students in UK colleges, British students have shown interest in our culture. We are expecting a native crowd for the tournament. This sevens tournament will be a new experience for them, as they are used to traditional football, he said. The timing of the tournament coincides with the summer holidays there, making it an ideal gathering for Malayalis across the UK. Schools are closed for the summer. And the weather this week is good as well, so we expect a large turnout of Malayalis. It will be like an annual reunion of friends and families, Sheejo said. The tournament is being organised as part of the 10th anniversary of the Warrington Malayali Association. It will feature 24 matches in the league round. Winning team to get 1,000 pounds prize money The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. League matches will be of 20 minutes each, while knockout matches will follow the standard sevens duration of 60 minutes. Matches will be held at the Warrington Orford Turf and three other grounds. Teams from major cities such as London, Glasgow, Stoke, Liverpool, Newcastle, Leicester, and Manchester will participate. Each of the 16 teams will comprise 15 members, including coaches, substitutes, and support staff. A significant attraction is the prize money, with the winning team receiving 1,000 pounds and the runners-up earning 500 pounds. There will be special prizes for the best goalkeeper and the top scorer.

Kozhikode man feared trapped in landslide in Karnataka, search operations on

KOZHIKODE/ANKOLA: Arjun Mooladikuzhiyil, a truck driver from Kozhikode, is feared to be trapped under a huge mound of soil for the past four days following a landslide at Ankola in Karnataka. Even as efforts continue to trace him and others who went missing in the landslide that occurred on the national highway at Shirur on July 16, Arjuns family is hopeful of his safe return. Meanwhile, the Uttara Kannada district administration has sought the assistance of the Coast Guard in the search operations. There was not much success on Friday except for clearing the debris in some places. The harsh terrain, heavy rain and landslide possibility in adjoining areas are posing hurdles to the efforts. The search operation that was suspended on Friday night will resume on Saturday morning. Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya said seven bodies have been found so far. Three more persons are still missing, and we hope we might find them soon, she said. I have written to the Coast Guard to help with their helicopter to search for the bodies in the river and even amid the debris at the areas beyond our reach, she said. However, the bad weather has made assistance by helicopter impossible. Meanwhile, ministerial-level interventions and joint efforts by the Kerala-Karnataka authorities have raised hopes of Arjuns family. Arjun, 30, from Kannadikkal, had started his journey to Kozhikode from Jagalpet after loading timber in truck. According to eyewitnesses, he had stopped at a hotel in Shirur to have tea when the mishap occurred. He and his truck have gone missing following the landslide. We want to believe that a miracle will happen, said Krishnapriya, Arjuns wife. Trucks GPS signal last received from landslide spot For the past few days, we have been trying hard to know his whereabouts. When we contacted the BharatBenz company, the GPS signal from the lorry driven by Arjun was finally received from the place where the landslide occurred, she said. Every time he goes for long trips, Arjun calls us without fail. I spoke to him on July 16, but couldnt get in touch with him from the next day. We have been trying to call many officials, but no major rescue effort was made till Friday, she said. Krishnapriya said Arjuns second mobile phone had been ringing when she dialled on Friday morning. Uttara Kannada deputy commissioner Lakshmi Priya said: His (Arjun) family is in Shirur. They are seeing what is happening here. Arjun, who has been working as a driver for a Mukkam-based trader, used to go on inter-state trips as part of his work. Arjun is a hardworking man and the sole earner of his five-member family, consisting of his ailing parents, sister, wife and son. His disappearance can adversely affect his family now, said Baiju K, a neighbour. After failing to contact him over phone, the family members complained with the Chevayur police on Tuesday night. When they came to know about the landslide, some of the relatives went to Ankola on Wednesday. Kozhikode District Collector Snehilkumar Singh with Arjuns family members in Kannadikkal in Kozhikode When the relatives reached there, they realised that no rescue operation was taking place. Though several vehicles were stuck in the mud, the authorities were getting the soil removed with just two earth movers. Later, we filed a complaint with the Karnataka police. But even after four days, there was no major progress in rescue operation, said Krishnapriya. When the helpless situation of Arjuns family came to light, help started to pour in. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah, requesting him to speed up the rescue operation to find Arjun. He demanded a system like ground penetrating radar be used to locate Arjun. Pinarayi also instructed the chief secretary to coordinate the rescue mission with Karnataka government. Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar contacted the Karnataka Transport Minister, who promised to probe the matter and take further action. Kozhikode MP M K Raghavan visited Arjuns house and informed the family members that the Karnataka CM has promised him that the search operation will be intensified.

91 people accommodated in rehabilitation camps in Kozhikode

Uttara Kannada landslip: local rescue squads in Kozhikode ready to support search for missing Kerala truck driver

Sexual assault on patient: physiotherapist from Kozhikode Govt. General Hospital suspended

Kerala expects heavy rains in next few days, IMD issues alert

The India Meteorological Department on Friday said Kerala will receive heavy to very heavy rains in the next few days due to weather conditions and wind patterns prevailing over peninsular India. The IMD said that a low pressure trough located from north Kerala coast to south Gujarat coast, another well marked low pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal and the strong westerly/ northwesterly winds along the Kerala coast would result in moderate to heavy rains in the southern state for the next five days. The IMD also issued an orange alert in the four northern Kerala districts of Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod for the day and a yellow alert in five other districts. An orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 to 11 cm. Heavy rains in the state, especially in the northern Malabar region, caused flooding, uprooting of trees, minor landslides and traffic snarls. In Wayanad, due to flooding of the Muthanga National .

Kin of LeT operative Thadiyantevida Naseer, 10 more held in dacoity bid

COIMBATORE: Based on a tip-off, Kuniyamuthur police in the city on Thursday arrested 11 people, including the brother of Lashkar-e-Taibas South India chief and another person who is a suspect in the bus arson case at Kalamassery in Kerala. Police said the two were planning dacoity in the city to raise funds. The arrested included U Abdul Halim (47) and M Shamal (46), electricians from Kannur; Kerala. Shamal is the brother of Thadiyantevida Naseer, self-styled South India chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba allegedly involved in several terror incidents. Halim was acquitted in the Kozhikode twin blast case but is a suspect in the Kalamassery bus arson case. The others were identified as H Mohammad Siyavdin (40), who is into real estate business in Chettukundu; A Sunil (45), a driver; I Sameer (32), a realtor from Kasaragod, M Prasath (25), a fish seller from Tiruppur; M Salim Malik (25); K Shajahan (26), a scrap dealer from Mangalam in Tiruppur; J Mohammad Anas (29), an IT employee from Ukkadam in Coimbatore; H Noufal Kasim Sheik (29), a native of Uttara Kannada district; and M Mohammad Yasir (18) from Kangeyam Cross Road in Tiruppur. Police said the gang had already staged a few robberies in Kerala by posing as officers of DVAC, ED and Income Tax officials and conducting searches. On Tuesday, a patrol team of Kuniyamuthur police secured the gang from a playground at Kulathupalayam and took them to the station. During questioning one of them allegedly confessed that they were staying in Kuniyamuthur allegedly to commit a dacoity in a house at Kovaipudur. The gang was in possession of weapons. They were booked under Section 310 (A) of the BNS Act. Police are on the lookout for one more suspect.

Plus-I rejig in Kerala: Are Financial concerns putting expert panel report in cold storage?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as protests over Plus -I admissions were raging in the state, the government chose to sit on an expert committees recommendations, including the need to sanction additional Plus-I batches in Malappuram and other northern districts that were facing a shortage of seats. The governments hesitation in implementing the recommendations of the V Karthikeyan Nair committee, which submitted its report in September, 2023, aggravated the Plus-I crisis to such proportions this year, it has been pointed out. The report of the committee, led by former higher secondary director V Karthikeyan Nair, to study higher secondary batch reorganisation, was kept on the back burner, reportedly due to financial burden in implementing some of its recommendations. The government, however, recently had to furnish a copy of the report in the assembly in response to a query by IUML MLA Manjalamkuzhi Ali. The report, accessed by TNIE , admitted that anomalies in sanctioning higher secondary batches and courses by the population and the huge demand for seats in government and aided schools led to the problems. The panel had recommended that higher secondary batches be re-arranged and new ones be created to correct regional imbalances. The Karthikeyan panel had recommended sanctioning 222 temporary higher secondary batches, a majority of them in districts such as Malappuram and Kozhikode. In Malappuram alone, 119 batches were recommended in government and aided schools. It had also proposed upgrading of 17 government high schools and one aided high school to HSS through sanctioning 40 temporary batches. After protests over shortage of higher secondary seats took a violent turn this year, the government hurriedly set up a two-member committee. Based on its recommendations, 120 temporary batches were created in Malappuram, but they were limited to 74 government schools. Eighteen batches were created in Kasaragod. In a notable recommendation, the Karthikeyan committee had said temporary batches should be regularised after three years with permanent teachers, if needed. It is reportedly this recommendation, entailing huge financial burden to the government, that landed the report in the cold storage. The committee also recommended shifting of a batch each from as many as 39 schools with less than 25 students in a batch. These schools were located mostly in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts. Notably, only four schools in northern Kerala figured in this category.

Landowners protest compensation clawback in Palakkad- Kozhikode Highway Greenfield Project

Decision to reduce land value was taken after officials reviewed Basic Valuation Report following complaints from landowners in Malappuram that they did not receive the same amount of compensation as the landowners in Kozhikode

Four northern districts on orange alert on July 19

Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on orange. Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam on yellow alert

DPR for new Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode to be placed in Corporation Council

Nine including self-styled LeT operatives brother, man acquitted in Kozhikode twin blasts case held in Coimbatore

Maoist member active in Wayanad forests arrested from Ernakulam

KOCHI: The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Thursday arrested a member of a Maoist group from Ernakulam South Railway Station. The arrested person is Manoj, 26, alias Ashiq Ernakulam, a native of Viyyur in Thrissur who was active in the forests of Wayanad. Manoj has been missing since February 2023 when he was doing research in the Philosophy Department at Kerala University Kariavattom campus. Following a complaint filed by Manoj's mother at Viyyur police station, the police first registered a missing case. Later, as Manoj was found missing from Karyavattom, the case was transferred to Kazhakootam police station. Considering his links with Maoist groups active in Wayanad forests, ATS took over the probe. Manoj maintained close links with top leaders of CPI (Maoist) and the People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA).Manoj maintained close links with top leaders of CPI (Maoist) and the People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA). He was spotted by people living at forest fringes on multiple occasions. He was part of the Maoist Kabani Dhalam active in the Wayanad forest. He will be produced before the court on Friday. NIA files charge sheet against four Maoists for attacking police personnel in Chhattisgarh Before joining the philosophy department at Karyavattom in 2018, Manoj did his graduation at Kozhikode Government Engineering College where he was active in campus politics. However, he did not continue the activities in campus politics at the Karyavattom campus. He stayed in a rented room outside the campus and did part-time jobs. In May this year, ATS grilled Wayanad native and Pantheerankavu Maoist case accused Vijith Vijayan regarding the disappearance of Manoj. Vijith and Manoj both worked together in campus politics while studying at Kozhikode Government Engineering College. We had information that Manoj came to Kochi to meet his friend. Following a surveillance operation, we nabbed him from Ernakulam South Railway Station where he reached to board a train after meeting his friend. According to him, he was in Wayanad before coming to Kochi. However, we have to interrogate him further to verify the information, a source said. ATS is also tracing the persons whom Manoj met in Kochi. Manoj told the police officials that he met his friends staying at a flat in Kakkanad to seek financial help from him. After the arrest, ATS shifted Manoj to its office in Nedumbassery where he is being interrogated by the officers. There are around 14 Maoist-related cases registered against Manoj in the Wayanad and Kannur districts.

Widespread rain predicted in Kerala on July 18

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for 10 districts and a yellow warning for four southern districts on Thursday, predicting widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy showers expected at isolated places. The orange alert has been sounded in Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta are under a yellow warning. The IMD radar data from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram indicates that monsoon winds along the Kerala coast are accelerating, reaching speeds of 45 to 65 km per hour. Special caution has been advised for hilly regions, and a high wave alert has been issued for Kannur, Kasaragod, and Kozhikode districts on Thursday. The forecast suggests that the rainy conditions will persist until July 21. Fishermen are cautioned against venturing into the sea during this period.

Are Kerala PSC appointments political? Controversy is sure to follow

KOCHI: In a recent controversy relating to the appointment of Public Service Commission (PSC) members , it was alleged that a former CPM leader in Kozhikode demanded a bribe of Rs 60 lakh to secure the coveted position. After several rounds of bargaining, he allegedly collected Rs 22 lakh. But the aspirant, who works in the health sector, did not receive the post. Though Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ruled out any kind of irregularities, the CPM expelled the young leader and distanced itself from the issue. This is the first time in the eight-year-long Pinarayi Vijayan regime that the CPM has faced allegations of bribery for appointments, though workers of allies have previously been implicated. CPM in fresh row: PSC membership for sale The recent controversy has also exposed political manoeuvrings and disputes among various parties. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), an LDF ally, courted controversy allegedly selling the PSC member post to a newcomer in the party. The controversy began after NCP state president P C Chacko decided to nominate the secretary of the partys womens wing as a PSC member. Kerala CPM expels Pramod Kottooli amid PSC bribery allegations A section of leaders accused that a close aide of the state president had taken Rs 50 lakh as bribe from this woman to nominate her as a PSC member. When the issue of accepting a substantial bribe to appoint someone with no party links came up before the party, leaders cited that the nominees father was a local NCP leader. Meanwhile, another complaint alleged that the same leader collected Rs 20 lakh from a High Court lawyer to become a PSC member, later returning the money in instalments when the appointment went to the newcomer. The rival faction alleged that Minister A K Saseendran obtained the approval from the government after several rounds of talks with the CM. Activist Gireesh Babu lodged a complaint seeking an inquiry into the allegation of blatant sale. The situation worsened after the party split between the factions of Sharad and Ajit Pawar. Leaders from the Ajit Pawar faction, recognised as the official party by the Election Commission of India, decided to seek an inquiry into the allegations against the Sharad Pawar faction leaders. NCP state president N A Mohammedkutty said, We have submitted a complaint before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and have provided evidence, such as audio clips, to the crime branch team that investigated the case. However, the probe was an eyewash and the crime branch closed the case, citing a lack of corroborating evidence. He added that a minister, a PSC member, and a former additional private secretary to the minister were involved in the alleged bribery episode. We will approach the High Court, seeking an inquiry and will take out a march to the PSC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, Mohammedkutty said. Many aspire to become PSC members and are willing to pay large sums, to accept bribes by influencing interviews and recruitment. A former member noted, A member knows which interview they will sit for after the commission meets every Monday. However, if included in more than one board, they will be informed only a few days in advance, increasing the potential for irregularities. Even a decimal point in marks can rearrange the ranked list, with high scorers going down and others moving up. Congress leader Cherian Philip pointed out that PSCs expansion was aimed at appeasing smaller constituent parties in the ruling front. The post of a PSC member has now become a commodity for sale, offering a higher salary, pension, and additional benefits, compared to those received by ministers and the chief secretary. Those who secure the post by paying large bribes can reap significant financial rewards by demanding hefty sums from candidates, he alleged. Before the NCP, the Janata Dal (S) also faced allegations of bribery for the PSC-member post allocated to it. Some party leaders claimed that an individual with no connection to the party was appointed after leaders accepted a bribe, with the post left vacant because of the ensuing controversy. Each party in the coalition is entitled to nominate individuals to the PSC, often choosing senior members or those holding key positions within the party. The LDF has directed that appointments to significant posts, such as PSC members, should be political. However, sources say party leaders have ignored these norms. Kerala Congress (M), a new entrant to the Left front, was also allocated a PSC-member post. The party chose a media person associated with a vernacular daily from Kottayam, which upset some party members who felt he lacked party links. The party recently designated a new leader to the post after the previous members term of three years expired. Meanwhile, a former PSC member, who requested anonymity, said the reports of commission members receiving high pensions and other benefits are wrong. The pension for non-governmental members is fixed at 7.5% of the sum of their basic pay in a year. There is no facility to either have a vehicle or avail a loan to buy a vehicle, he said.

Incessant rain continues to lash Kozhikode

34 houses fully and 33 partially damaged in the district; water entered bridge in Poolakkadavu near Kozhikode city after Poonoor river overflowed following heavy rain

Heavy Rains Continue in Kerala; Red Alert in One District, Orange Alert in 8

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala can expect to receive moderate to heavy rainfall with thunder and lightning for the next five days, the India Meteorological Department said on Wednesday as it issued a red alert for one district of the state. The IMD said that a low pressure belt from the north Kerala coast to Gujarat and strong westerly-north westerly winds along the coast of the southern state were the reasons for the expected moderate to heavy rains in the coming days. The red alert was sounded in Wayanad and orange alerts in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts for the day. It also issued a yellow alert in the remaining five districts of the state for the day. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 to 11 cm. As heavy rains caused landslides, property damage, waterlogging of roads and flooding of acres of farmland, the Central Water Commission (CWC) issued a warning about a dangerous rise in levels of various rivers in the southern state. The CWC issued warnings with regard to a dangerous rise in water levels of various rivers, including Achankovil in Pathanamthitta and Thodupuzha in Idukki districts of the state. It cautioned people living close to the rivers to be careful. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) advised people to be careful in view of the strong winds accompanying the heavy rains in the state. It cautioned people against standing or parking vehicles under trees, saying they could get uprooted or their branches may break and fall down due to strong winds. The IMD, meanwhile, cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea for fishing in the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coastal areas from July 17 to July 21 due to the possibility of bad weather and strong winds. In Ernakulam, a home was damaged in a landslide, but no one was injured and the family living there was moved to a safe location, the district administration said. The Kottayam district administration said that 45 people were moved to camps following incessant rains there throughout Tuesday night. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief K Sudhakaran, in a statement, urged party workers and members to aid in relief work where people have suffered property damage and other losses due to the heavy rains. He also urged the Youth Congress, the Kerala Students Union to come forward and help in the relief work. There should be a strong presence of Congress workers wherever help is needed, he said.

Man undergoing treatment after wild elephant attack in Kerala's Wayanad dies, local residents stage protest

KALPETTA:Local residents blocked the National Highway and staged a protest with the body of Raju, 50, a member of the Kuruman tribe from Marode Kallumukku, who died after a wild elephant attack in Kallur, near Sultan Bathery. Raju succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. On Wednesday morning, protestors gathered against Minister O.R. Kelu, who came to visit Raju's house. They demanded Rs 50 lakh in compensation for Raju's family and a permanent government job for his son. The protest also targeted forest department officials. In the subsequent all-party meeting, it was decided to provide immediate financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the deceased. Decisions such as recommending the government for more financial assistance, giving a job to one person in the family, recommending to the government to give a permanent job to the relative, providing an insurance amount of one lakh, and providing government assistance for children's higher education -- were also taken in the meeting. Raju was attacked by an elephant when he was walking home from the farm around 8.45 pm on Sunday night. The wild elephant standing near the field suddenly turned towards Raju and attacked him. Raju was seriously injured in the attack and was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode and underwent surgery on Monday morning. He died while undergoing treatment on Tuesday around 3.30 pm. On Monday also, there was a protest and road blockade by local residents in Kallur in protest against the repeated wild elephant attacks in Wayanad. In January, Lakshmanan, 65, of Pannikkal tribal colony, who worked as an estate watchman, was killed by a wild elephant near the estate in Tholpetty. In February, Ajeesh Joseph, a farmer, was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Mananthavady. A week later, Paul V P, a forest watcher from Pulpally, lost his life to a wild elephant attack near the Kuruva Island Eco Tourism Centre. In March, Mini, 33, belongs to the Cholanaikkan tribe in Vaduvanchal of Muppainad panchayat, who was out collecting wild honey, was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Parappanpara in the Meppadi forest range of Wayanad.

Kerala rains: Schools, colleges to remain shut in 6 districts; Kozhikode receives heavy downpour

A new light: Lighthouse tourism in Kerala

KOCHI: What is there on top, asked a woman to ICR Prasad, a retired assistant engineer at the Directorate of Lighthouses and Light Ships. You could see paradise a little up close, he told her. She was pointing to the towering structure overlooking the Arabian Sea in Ponnanni. Atop, time stops briefly as one gazes into the vast sea. The structure had remained there for long, a lighthouse guiding ships and seafarers lost in mid-seas to hearth and home. This is one among the 18 mainland lighthouses (17 in Kerala and one in Mahe) in the state, built over various periods since the 19th century as a marker of the trade link Kerala had with the rest of the world. The charm of the 360-degree view from atop the lighthouse gives a top-of-the-world feel, exclaims Prasad. There may be taller buildings but they can never match when it comes to the feel or the view. And this is why people throng to be part of this charm, he smiles. World over, lighthouse tourism is something that attracts generations. Being settlers, the Americans wanted the next of their line to see the vast space through which their forefathers entered. The lighthouses were objects that guided their maritime journeys. Hence, there is tradition and pride in lineage involved with the lighthouses there. Even in Kerala, I have seen families who had migrated to Australia bringing their children on an outing to Thangassery Lighthouse and they explain how their forefathers were associated with the seas, he says. Probably to bank in on such sentiments and on the awe that people have for lighthouses, the Union government has etched larger plans as part of the Maritime India Vision 2030. The core plan is to increase footfalls in lighthouses to more than 17 lakh, which is the figure touted by the government a sharp increase from the 3.5 lakh before 2014. The government claims it has developed 75 of the 203 lighthouses in the country as tourist attractions and plans to develop more. Of these, 11 are in Kerala, says Anil Antony, state director of Lighthouses and Lightships. We plan to reach out to people and explain the relevance of lighthouses. Till now, ours have not been an interactive department but there is a need to inform people about the history and cultural significance of lighthouses as well as the way they have now transformed technically as per the needs of the times, he explains. The 11 lighthouses selected for the project are Vizhinjam, Anjuthengu, Valiazhikkal, Thangassery, Alleppy (the oldest working tower in the state), Vypin in Kochi, Azhikode, Kannur, Chettuva, Ponnani, and Kadalur point (Thikkoti). The lighthouses were identified for the tourism potential of the places where they are situated. With Vizhinjam being one of the hubs of international tourism activity, the stakeholder meeting recently discussed ways to popularise the lighthouse as one of the main attractions of the package. The lighthouse is situated on a hillock overlooking the sea from the three sides. So, it offers almost a 270-degree view of the sea and its environs. Also, it is situated at a height of 57 metres above sea level, which makes the view even more alluring, says navigational assistant V Susheendran, stationed at Vizhinjam lighthouse. The structure also has a lift to get to the top. There are eateries and little shops sprinkled around it. It is also close to Kovalam and Vizhinjam, increasing its tourism potential, says Susheendran. But in some places such as Thikkoti lighthouse, which is in a remote place between Kozhikode and Kannur, accessibility is an issue. It is away from the beach. Yet, its historical relevance cannot be disputed. On one side is the Kappad beach where Vasco da Gama landed, on the other is Iringal Bay, called the playground of Kunhali Marakkar. We can also view the Vellayamkallu immortalised by M Mukundan in Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil. It is also said to be where pirates were killed and bears the name sacrifice rock, says Prasad, who has written extensively on lighthouses, including the one in Thikkoti. The space around the Thikkoti lighthouse adds to its scope for development the facility stands on 26 acres of land. In such spots, we can set up cottages so visitors can stay back. We can develop them as facilities on PPP mode, says Susheendran. Even without these efforts, we get over 13,000 footfalls a month, especially during peak seasons at places like Vizhinjam. If the new plan is executed well, this can be well channelised and doubled, officials say. Remnants of a bygone era Each lighthouse is a story, says Prasad. Take for example the Vizhinjam lighthouse. It evolved from a small red beacon, perched on the Valiyathura pier. From 1921, when it was constructed, it evolved into its current status in 1961 as a prominent lighthouse in the region. The story of Anchengo lighthouse is even older. So while opening up lighthouses to the public, we could narrate their evolution as well as research their past, beams Prasad. When stationed at Alleppy lighthouse, he and his team had put together a museum that displays the historical relevance of the lighthouse. The space was once used to store explosives to protect the port. Such beautiful stories come to light as we study each lighthouse. And they make for excellent story-telling, Prasad smiles. Com centres Originally envisioned as guiding lights to sea fearers, lighthouses soon emerged as communication hubs. Fully equipped, thanks to technological advances, they provide navigational aides to ships and also serve as feeders for the Coast Guard and the Navy. With the development of the Vizhinjam port, their role would become significant, say the lighthouse directorate officials. These are monumental proofs of how navigation evolved over the centuries. And we can explain to visitors, especially children, the history of lighthouses and their technological advancements, says Anil Antony, state director of Lighthouses and Lightships. However, a few officials add that there should be a good balance between tourism and security for the communication systems.

Six dead as rain wreaks havoc in Kerala

KOCHI: Six people lost their lives as heavy rain continued to lash Kerala for the second consecutive day on Tuesday. The downpour inundated low-lying areas, damaged houses and triggered mudslides in high ranges. Fire and rescue services personnel had their hands full removing uprooted trees that fell on busy roads due to strong wind, and rescuing people caught in rivers in spate. A mother-son duo died following a wall collapse at Kottekad near Vadakkencherry in Palakkad. Sulochana,70, and her son Ranjith, 32, were sleeping when the wall of their one-room house collapsed and fell on them late on Monday night. In separate incidents, two persons drowned in waterlogged paddy fields in Kannur district. The body of Kunhamina, 51, of Mattannur Kolari, was found in the field near her house around 7.30pm on Monday. Chandrasekaran, 63, a painting worker, died after falling into a small canal near a paddy field while returning home after work on Monday night. Two persons died of electrocution after they came into contact with power lines that snapped following to heavy rain in Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts. Reji, 48, a resident of Mepral, in Pathanamthitta, was collecting grass for cattle when the accident occurred on Tuesday morning. Sudhan, 32, of Cheeyambam in Wayanad, died of electrocution on Tuesday afternoon after stepping on a snapped power line while walking through a paddy field near his house. Orange alert issued for Malabar region today The fire and rescue services personnel in Palakkad won accolades as they rescued four people from Tamil Nadu who entered the Chittoor river and were trapped on a rock midstream due to strong currents. The flow in the river increased as water was released from Moolanthara regulator. A youth, who was trapped on a rock at Seetharkundu waterfalls in Palakkad, was rescued by a fire force team on Monday. Ramesh of Vandithavalam in Palakkad had entered the waterfall along with three friends unnoticed by watchers. While his friends managed to reach to safety, Ramesh could not cross as the river was in full spate. Traffic on the busy Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH was disrupted due to mudslide and uprooted trees at Adimali, Munnar and Gap Road. Traffic was disrupted at Periyavarai on Munnar-Udumalpet highway due to mudslide. Hundreds of houses were damaged by uprooted trees in Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts. In view of the heavy rain, tourist spots like Ilavizha Poonchira, Illikal Kallu and Marmala stream in Kottayam have been closed till Thursday. Night traffic has been banned on Erattupetta-Vagamon road. The ban on night traffic in Idukki will continue until the IMD withdraws the alert. The KSEB has suffered substantial loss as over 1,000 electric posts were damaged by uprooted trees. The 220KV feeder lines of Lower Periyar and Brahmapuram projects have been switched off due to mudslide on the switch yard of Lower Periyar Hydro Power project. However, the mudslide has not affected its functioning. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Kerala from June 17 to 20. An orange alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Wednesday.

Rain havoc continues in Kozhikode district

Action against Kozhikode-based leader part of corrective steps, says CPI(M)

The explanation comes against the backdrop of the dismissal of K.V. Pramod, a Kozhikode Town area committee member of the party, on July 13

Weather update: IMD issues red alert for heavy rain in several states, light showers in Delhi-NCR; check full forecast

The IMD issued a red alert for Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod in Kerala and an orange alert for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Schools and colleges across six districts in Kerala to be shut on July 15 due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Heavy rainfall to continue, five northern districts on orange alert on Tuesday

Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are on orange alert for isolated heavy to very rainfall on Tuesday, while all other districts except Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam are on yellow alert for isolated heavy rainfall

Heavy rains continue to lash Kerala, holiday for educational institutions in 7 districts

Thiruvananthapuram: Incessant heavy rains and gusty winds continued to lash several parts of Kerala, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for educational institutions in seven districts on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted a thunderstorm with heavy rainfall and gusty wind speeds reaching 40 kmph at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts in the coming hours. The weathermen also predicted moderate rainfall at one or two places in Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. Heavy monsoon showers, with the accompaniment of strong winds, have been reported across the state for the last two days. It caused widespread havoc, including the uprooting of trees, minor landslides, intense water-logging and partial damage to houses, authorities said. In view of the incessant rains, the district authorities of Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Ernakulam and Wayanad have declared a holiday for educational institutions. Shutters at various dams were raised in the wake of a continuous heavy downpour. The district administration in Pathanamthitta urged people living in the catchment area of Moozhiyar Dam to be extra vigil as its shutters are likely to be raised. The Kerala Disaster Management Authority warned that water-logging on major roads and poor visibility of vehicles may lead to traffic congestion. Flooding in many parts of low-lying areas and river banks and the uprooting of trees may cause damage related to the power sector, the KSDMA added. The IMD has already issued a red alert for Monday in northern Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts and placed Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts under an orange alert. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm.

Rain intensifies, red alert in Kannur, Malappuram and Kasaragod on Monday

THIRUVANANPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rain across Kerala until July 18. The northern districts are expected to receive heavy rain on Monday, with red alert issued for Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, indicating potential rainfall of up to 20cm in 24 hours. The Met department has sounded an orange alert for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. A Yellow alert has been declared in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Idukki districts, with up to 11 cm of rainfall forecast. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services has issued high wave alerts in Kannur and Kasaragod. On Sunday, several parts of the state experienced heavy rain and strong winds. Ayyankunnu in Kannur recorded the maximum rainfall of 12cm on the day. Kollam, Munnar, Vadakara and Mananthavady recorded 6cm of rainfall each. Holiday today In view of the incessant rain, the district administrations of Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Monday. Orange alert sounded in three districts tomorrow The monsoon has been gaining momentum due to the strengthening of wind on the coast, from Maharashtra to Kerala, and it will continue for the next two to three days. As a result, rain and wind will intensify in the high ranges, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. The IMD has also issued orange alerts for the Kannur, Kasaragod, and Kozhikode districts on Tuesday, and for Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, and Malappuram on Wednesday. As per the latest prediction, rain is expected to be moderate on July 18. Strong winds with speed reaching 30-40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph, is likely to prevail occasionally in the state during the period. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea.

IMD issues red alert for several districts in Kerala

The IMD has issued a red alert for Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts in Kerala and an orange alert for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts.

Heavy rains trigger red alert in north Kerala; schools, colleges closed in six districts

Kerala is facing severe monsoon rains, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, forecasting over 20 cm of rain on Monday. An orange alert is in place for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Educational institutions in affected districts will be closed, and tourism in Kasaragod is suspended. The heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage, including minor landslides and uprooted trees.

Heavy rain: holiday declared for educational institutions in Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod on July 15

Kerala braces for heavy monsoon spell, red alert for three districts on Monday

Orange alert forecasting very heavy rainfall for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayanad

Kerala CPM expels Pramod Kottooli amid PSC bribery allegations

KOZHIKODE: CPM has ousted K V Pramod alias Pramod Kottooli who is at the centre of allegations regarding PSC bribery controversy from the party membership for defaming the party and breaching discipline. CPM district secretary P Mohanan, meanwhile, told reporters that no allegations regarding bribe for the PSC member post has come before the party. CPM in fresh row: PSC membership for sale A press release issued after the district committee meeting said Pramod, a member of the Kozhikode Town Area Committee, has been removed from the primary membership of the party for sullying the image of the party and for indulging in activities that are against party discipline. But neither the release nor Mohanan clarified as to what are the anti-party activities Pramod did. Meanwhile, Pramod gave a shock to the CPM by openly challenging the party. He, along with his mother, staged a protest in front of the house of Sreejit, who reportedly complained that Pramod had taken Rs 22 lakh after promising PSC member post for Sreejits wife who works with the Ayush department. Pramod, mother Vishalakshi and son Visal carried placards that read who took the amount, when and where. Pramod told reporters that he would spill the beans on who all conspired against him. Pramod Kottoolli along with his mother and children during a protest in front of the PSC membership bribe complainant Sreejiths house Willing to undergo a lie detector test to prove innocence, says Pramod Someone might have misled the party. I have become an object of ridicule before the public. I need to convince at least my mother and son that I am innocent, he said. Pramod said he knows Sreejit, who is a businessman, but has never gone to his house. I was active with charitable works under the banner of Yuvadhara Kottooli. Pramod also showed the documents to prove that he is a defaulter with bank for not properly repaying the housing loan he availed. Such a person is branded as a link in the real estate mafia, he said. Pramods mother said she is sure that her son has not committed anything wrong. That is why I am sitting here, she said. Pramod ended the protest after his mother developed some physical discomfort. It is believed that the PSC bribery case is only a tip of the iceberg of what is happening in the CPM in Kozhikode after the emergence of Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas as the unquestioned leader in district. His arrival in the scene has altered the power dynamics in the party in the district. Many believe that the factional struggle in the party has a role in the sudden emergence to the allegation. It was Riyas who reportedly complained to the party leadership that there is a caucus that uses the name of leaders for their nefarious activities. Riyas, however, had denied the existence of such a complaint. It is believed that the district leadership, which initially tried to cover up the bribery charge, was forced to act after a warning from the state leadership. Though the party has ousted Pramod, it will have to explain the reasons for such a drastic act. Pramod will also be removed from the CITU district secretary post in the coming days. Pramod has made it clear that he is willing to undergo a lie detector test to prove his innocence and that he will consult lawyers to explore the possibility of approaching the investigation agencies. Till now, the CPM was able to stall any official probe into the incident and had succeeded in getting the complainant to state the police that he has no complaint. It is also believed that the party has returned the money to the complainant through other sources.

Thiruvananthapuram leads charge in e-car sales in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the electric revolution taking over the automotive industry, Thiruvananthapuram is leading the way in the state in terms of e-car sales. This shift is being fuelled by growing environmental awareness and the citys booming IT, life sciences, health care, and logistics sectors, which have drawn new residents and cutting-edge technology. Until July 11 of this year, the district recorded the sale of 3,297 e-cars. Ernakulam followed close behind at 3,219, with Thrissur in third place (2,577). With just over five months left for 2024, Thiruvananthapuram seems to have taken over from Ernakulam, which lead the way with 1,927 e-car sales for the whole of 2023. The capital district stood second with 1,420, followed by Thrissur (1,197), Kozhikode (886) and Kollam (596). It was in 2020 that the government took the decision to lease Tata Nexon EVs to the motor vehicles department (MVD). Sixty-five cars were handed over to officials for firsthand experience and building confidence in the technology. The trial, overseen by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert), paved the way for a broader rollout. Later, the vehicles were handed over to 25 government departments. The state capital has several charging stations, with more on the way. We have stations at PMG, Shanghumugham, Nalanchira, Nemom, Pattom with more in other locations run by other private investors. We plan to open 13-14 more stations in the next three months. The ease of charging adds to the appeal, says Manoharan J, head of e-mobility at Anert. The credibility of government-tested vehicles has further emboldened the peoples choice of EVs in the city, he added. However, anxiety over mileage is a concern. While a 300km range is typical, factors like AC usage, speed, and terrain can reduce this to around 200km. Higher-end models (in the Rs 15-25 lakh range) can maintain the 300km range, but more fast charging stations are needed. Currently, there are 800 fast chargers on major roads, but power feasibility remains a challenge. At the moment, one cannot take an impromptu trip in an EV. One has to track the charging stations beforehand, says Maya Hari, an entrepreneur. Stations must charge 8-10 vehicles daily to be financially viable, a target not always met in regions like Idukki and Wayanad. To incentivise private investors, the government provides a 25% subsidy on the cost of machines. This has benefitted 23 private investors so far. Considering the power-guzzling nature of the industry, subsidies are also being provided to private operators who install solar panels. Around 13 investors have taken advantage of thisconcession. Opening cafeterias or restaurants near stations can turn charging time into business opportunities, adds Manoharan. Short-distance motorists seem to benefit the most from the use of EVs. I had solar panels installed at home, so switching to an electric car has proven to be very beneficial. Our family typically drives about 30km daily and the car performs well for this purpose, said Ninan Sabu, an LLB graduate. Thiruvananthapurams smart city project has sanctioned 13 locations for public charging stations, with nine dedicated solely to cars and the rest four for buses. Anert provides support to private investors, from site verification to technical assistance. With car manufacturers such as Tata, Hyundai, MG, and Mahindra coming out with more offerings, expanding the infrastructure has assumed greater importance. And increased competition will lead to improved technology, which will benefit both users and other stakeholders. Currently, Anert charges Rs 10 plus GST per unit for slow chargers and Rs 13-22 plus GST for fast chargers. Private players levy Rs 18-22 plus GST. As more people invest in EVs, Thiruvananthapuram is not just driving towards a cleaner future, its leading the charge.

Building number scam: UDF demands action against Kozhikode Corporation Secretary

Orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod on July 14

CPI-M youth leader accused of taking bribe for PSC post booted out of party, claims innocence

CPI-M youth leader accused of taking bribe for PSC post booted out of party, claims innocence Kozhikode: Amid the raging controversy in the Kozhikode unit of Keralas ruling CPI-M over a bribe being demanded for appointment as a member of the state Public Service Commission, a youth leader, who was allegedly involved in the incident, [] The post CPI-M youth leader accused of taking bribe for PSC post booted out of party, claims innocence appeared first on Mangalorean.com .