Heavy precipitation impacted various regions of Kerala, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for five districts due to expected rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm.
The districts under alert include Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad.
Recent rainfall has resulted in elevated water levels across multiple rivers, leading to inundation in low-lying areas and displacing hundreds of residents. This barrage of rain has necessitated the opening of dams, notably the Banasura Sagar in Wayanad and Moozhiyar in Pathanamthitta. Following the observed rise in water levels, officials have announced the impending opening of the Peechi dam in Thrissur district on Saturday afternoon.
Additionally, the shutters of multiple dams in Palakkad, including Kanjirapuzha, Malampuzha, and Meenkara, were opened on Saturday as a response to increased water levels attributed to recent catchment area rainfall.
In Idukki district, preparations are underway for the potential opening of the Mullaperiyar dam, contingent upon Tamil Nadu officials' indications that the shutters could be raised once water levels reach 136 feet.
As a precautionary measure, the local administration has finalized arrangements for the evacuation of 3,220 individuals from 883 families residing in vulnerable low-lying areas, which include villages such as Periyar, Manjumala, Upputhura, Elappara, Ayyappankovil, Kanchiyar, Aanavilasam, and Udumbanchola.
As of Saturday at 10 AM, the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam was reported at 135.70 feet. Notably, despite its geographical location in Kerala, the Mullaperiyar Dam is operated by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease established in 1886.
This arrangement has spurred concern in Kerala over potential safety risks associated with the ageing infrastructure, while Tamil Nadu maintains control to secure an adequate water supply for its agricultural demands.
(With PTI Inputs)
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