Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Heavy rains continued to batter several parts of Kerala on Saturday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert in five districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad.
An orange alert signifies the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging between 11 cm and 20 cm in a 24-hour period. The incessant rainfall over the past few days has led to rising water levels in multiple rivers, causing flooding in low-lying areas and displacing hundreds of residents from their homes.
The downpour has also forced authorities to open shutters of several dams, including Banasura Sagar in Wayanad and Moozhiyar in Pathanamthitta. On Saturday, shutters were also opened at Kanjirapuzha, Malampuzha, and Meenkara dams in Palakkad district after water levels surged in their respective catchment areas.
The Peechi dam in Thrissur is expected to open its shutters later on Saturday, according to an official statement.
In Idukki, preparations are underway for a possible opening of the Mullaperiyar dam, operated by Tamil Nadu, after officials indicated on Friday they may release water once the level hits 136 feet. At 10 AM Saturday, the water level had already reached 135.70 feet.
Though the Mullaperiyar dam is situated within Kerala’s borders, it is operated by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886. The dam remains a subject of long-standing dispute between the two states: Kerala has raised concerns about its structural integrity and safety, while Tamil Nadu views it as critical for irrigating its agricultural lands.
As a precaution, Idukki district administration has arranged to evacuate 3,220 people from 883 families in flood-prone villages such as Periyar, Manjumala, Upputhura, Elappara, Ayyappankovil, Kanchiyar, Aanavilasam, and Udumbanchola.
The state continues to remain on high alert, with emergency services and local authorities working to ensure the safety of residents and prevent any casualties from the worsening weather conditions.