IMD points orange alert for heavy rain in Kerala’s 5 districts

An orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to twenty cm. Rains within the state throughout the previous few days raised water degree in numerous rivers resulting in flooding of assorted low-lying areas and displacing a whole lot from their houses. It additionally led to opening of shutters in some dams, like Banasura Sagar in Wayanad district and Moozhiyar in Pathanamthitta district, within the state in the previous few days. 

The shutters of Peechi dam in Thrissur district are anticipated to be opened on Saturday afternoon, an official assertion stated. Shutters of assorted dams, together with Kanjirapuzha, Malampuzha and Meenkara, in Palakkad had been opened on Saturday following rise of their water ranges attributable to rains of their catchment areas, the district administration stated. In addition to these, authorities in Idukki district are getting ready for the doable opening of the Mullaperiyar dam, after Tamil Nadu officers on Friday indicated they could open the shutters as soon as the water degree reaches 136 ft. 

As a precaution, the district administration on Friday accomplished preparations to evacuate 3,220 folks from 883 households dwelling in low-lying areas, which incorporates villages akin to Periyar, Manjumala, Upputhura, Elappara, Ayyappankovil, Kanchiyar, Aanavilasam, and Udumbanchola. On Saturday at 10 am, the water degree within the Mullaperiyar dam reached 135.70 ft. 

The Mullaperiyar Dam, although positioned in Kerala, is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu beneath a 999-year lease courting again to 1886. Kerala fears the ageing dam poses a security danger, whereas Tamil Nadu insists on sustaining full management to make sure water provide for its agricultural wants.