Kerala is currently grappling with substantial rainfall across several regions, causing localized flooding in low-lying areas and a notable increase in water levels within reservoirs. The Mullaperiyar dam in the Idukki district has seen its water level rise above the permissible limit, prompting authorities to open its shutters and release excess water. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers across the state for the upcoming week. An ‘orange alert’ for very heavy rainfall has been issued for districts like Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Kottayam for Saturday, and for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Malappuram on Sunday. This alert signifies anticipated rainfall between 11 and 20 cm in a 24-hour period.
The heavy downpour on Friday night caused flooding in areas such as Kumily, Nedumkanadam, and Kattappana in Idukki, leading to water entering several homes and necessitating the evacuation of residents. Approximately 45 families were relocated to safer locations on Saturday. Visuals from Nedumkandam showed a parked van being swept away by the rising waters of the Kootar River. Other high-altitude regions in Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode also experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in flooded roads.
The IMD predicts isolated heavy rainfall in Kerala from October 18 to October 24, with a possibility of very heavy rainfall on October 18 and 19. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph are expected over the next five days. The department also noted the intensification of a low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea, which is expected to move northwest and strengthen into a depression. Additionally, cyclonic circulations over the Mannar Strait and the Andaman Sea suggest conditions favorable for another low-pressure area to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around October 21. Fishermen along the Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Karnataka coasts have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea until October 22 due to strong winds.
In response to the rising water levels, dam authorities have taken action. The Mullaperiyar dam, managed by the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, had all 13 of its shutters opened by 1 pm, releasing 7,163 cusecs of water. The water level at the dam was recorded at 138.80 feet, exceeding the 137-foot limit. As a precautionary measure, shutters of the Kallarkutty dam were also raised, releasing about 500 cusecs. The Kallar dam saw four shutters raised by 60 cm, releasing 1,063 cusecs. Residents along the banks of the Kallar and Chinnar rivers have been alerted about potential flooding. Additionally, four shutters of the Malankara diversion dam remain open. The inflow to the Idukki reservoir, the state’s largest dam, is influenced by water released from the Kerala State Electricity Board’s Moolamattom power plant. As of Saturday morning, its water level was 2,381.92 feet, with 75.80% live storage, while all its shutters remained closed.