On October 17, Cumbum valley experienced a light drizzle, even as heavy rain pounded the western ghats.
The fast flowing Mullaperiyar river was touching the banks. Heavy flow at Chinna Surli, Surli and Suraganur falls combined with discharge of water from Mullaperiyar dam was raising the water level in the river at an alarming speed.
By afternoon, the river had overflown its banks.
Paddy fields adjacent to the river were the first casualty.
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