Intense and widespread rainfall across the Western Ghats and its catchment areas has caused the Mullaperiyar reservoir’s water level to surge from 132 feet to 138 feet by Saturday, October 18. This significant rise has led officials to issue the first flood warning for Kerala’s Idukki district, a crucial step in ensuring public safety.
Just two days prior, the dam’s inflow was a modest 2,748 cusecs. However, a continuous downpour drastically increased this inflow to 40,733 cusecs by 11 p.m. on Friday, October 17. Adhering to established protocols, officials confirmed that the water level must be maintained at a maximum of 137.75 feet.
In response to the escalating inflow, the rate of water discharge from the dam has been progressively increased. Initially, 5,000 cusecs of water were released at 8 a.m. on Saturday, a figure that climbed to 7,163 cusecs by 1 p.m. The Water Resources Department in Thekkadi is diligently monitoring the rainfall patterns in the catchment areas and the reservoir’s inflow to make informed decisions.
Kerala has been formally alerted to implement necessary measures, including the evacuation of residents from low-lying regions such as Vallakadavu, Sappathu, Vandiperiyar, Manjumalai, Upputhurai, and Yelapaarai. Approximately 45 families have already been moved to relief centers. On the Tamil Nadu side, a discharge of 1,400 cusecs has been managed.
Further concerns arise as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across many southern districts of Tamil Nadu, attributing this to an active northeast monsoon and a developing depression.
Theni District Collector Ranjith Singh recently convened a review meeting to assess preparedness and address potential challenges posed by the anticipated heavy rainfall.
Rainfall Causes Havoc in Localities
The night of October 17 witnessed severe rain-related damage in several parts of Cumbum, Gudalur, and Surulipatti. A four-hour relentless downpour between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. led to significant road flooding in Cumbum town, exacerbated by encroached water channels.
The rising water levels in Thottipaalam caused a bund to breach near the Old Police Outpost, resulting in the inundation of numerous residential colonies, including Cumbum Mettu, Odaikarai Theru, Angurpalayam Salai, Nandagopal Sami Nagar, TTV Dhinakaran Nagar, Park Road, and Kamakoundanpatti.
The heavy rains also had a devastating impact on agriculture, washing away at least 40 goats belonging to a local farmer, Lakshmanan. Crops in Manjalkuppam, on the verge of harvest, were submerged. The Cumbum-Surulipatti Road was closed to traffic due to severe flooding, with Police and Revenue officials, under the leadership of Uthamapalayam RDO Syed Mohammed, closely overseeing the situation.
MP Assures Government Support to Affected Farmers
Theni MP Thanga Tamil Selvan visited the affected areas, offering assurances of comprehensive government support to the distressed farmers. He noted that Cumbum suffered the most significant losses, with over 10 dwellings collapsing due to the heavy rains.
Officials have confirmed that there were no casualties reported and urged all residents in affected areas to move to designated relief centers without delay.