Orange alert in 8 districts as Kerala braces for isolated heavy showers

The government expedited the evacuation of scores of families living in flood-prone areas downstream of at least five dams in Kerala

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rains in Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargode districts. It has issued an orange alert in the localities. A yellow warning prevailed in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts.

The government has warned that the extremely heavy and isolated rainfall forecast for Kerala could cause life-threatening water rises, mud slips, flash floods, uprooted trees, snapped power lines, inundated neighbourhoods, displaced families, treacherous travel conditions and damage to buildings and loss of crops and livestock over the next 24 hours.

The government expedited the evacuation of scores of families living in flood-prone areas downstream of at least five dams in Kerala. They are Ponmudi, Lower Periyar, Kallarkutty, Irattayar and Kundala dams . The barriers in the Idukki district remained under red alert.

An orange alert prevailed in Peringalkuthu, Sholayar, Meenkara and Mangalam dams. The administration has warned that incessant rain in the catchment area could drastically increase water inflow into Idukki and Kaki reservoirs.

The authorities have opened the shutters of the Thenmala dam in the Kollam district by a minimal 5 cm. They have warned people on either side of the Kallada river to exercise caution.

The government has ruled out the immediate release of water from the Malampuzha dam after the rain over the catchment area showed signs of slackening.

Abating rain has caused the Tamil Nadu government to reduce the amount of water released from the Aliyar dam, bringing relief to people living on the banks of the Bharatapuzha river.