IMD issues orange alert for heavy rainfall in five Kerala districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in five districts on Saturday as heavy rains continued to pummelled several parts of Kerala: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Extremely high rainfall, between 11 and 20 cm over a 24-hour period, is indicated by an orange alert.
Numerous rivers have seen an increase in water levels due to the recent, continuous rain, which has caused flooding in low-lying areas and forced hundreds of people to leave their homes. Authorities have responded by starting to open the shutters of important dams throughout the state.
In Wayanad, the shutters of the Banasura Sagar dam have already been opened, while in Pathanamthitta, the Moozhiyar dam followed suit earlier this week. On Saturday, officials announced that the Peechi dam in Thrissur would also begin releasing water in the afternoon.
In Palakkad district, the Kanjirapuzha, Malampuzha, and Meenkara dams were opened due to heavy inflows from upstream catchment areas, according to the district administration.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Idukki for the potential opening of the Mullaperiyar dam, after Tamil Nadu officials indicated they may release water once the level hits 136 feet. On Saturday morning, the water level stood at 135.70 feet.
Authorities in Idukki have made contingency plans, readying the evacuation of 3,220 people from 883 families living in flood-prone areas, including Periyar, Manjumala, Upputhura, Elappara, Ayyappankovil, Kanchiyar, Aanavilasam, and Udumbanchola.
Tamil Nadu owns and operates the Mullaperiyar dam under a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886, even though it is located in Kerala. The dam has long been a point of contention between the two states; Kerala raises safety concerns due to the dam's age, while Tamil Nadu asserts the right to maintain total control to ensure the supply of irrigation and drinking water.