Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 27 (PTI) Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds have caused water levels in several rivers and dams across Kerala to rise, leading to damage to homes, uprooted trees, and widespread power disruptions.
In Wayanad district, the shutters of the Banasura Sagar dam were opened by 85 cm on Sunday morning to release about 100 cusecs of water due to heavy rainfall in its catchment area. Authorities have issued warnings to people living downstream and in low-lying areas to remain cautious.
In Pathanamthitta district, all three shutters of the Moozhiyar reservoir were opened after water levels crossed the 'red alert' threshold of 190 meters.
The Irrigation Design and Research Board (IDRB) issued flood warnings for several rivers, including Manimala, Pamba, and Achankovil in Pathanamthitta; Muvattupuzha, Kaliyar, and Periyar in Ernakulam; Pallikkal in Kollam; and Vamanapuram in Thiruvananthapuram. Alerts were also issued for Bharathappuzha and Chalakudy in Thrissur, Thodupuzha in Idukki, Bhavani in Palakkad, Korappuzha in Kozhikode, Valapattanam in Kannur, and Kabani in Wayanad.
Residents along these rivers have been advised to stay vigilant and be prepared to relocate to safer areas if needed.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed nine districts under a ‘yellow alert’, indicating heavy rainfall ranging between 6 and 11 cm.