Idukki Dam Level Swells, Fifth Shutter Opened, High Alert Sounded

Three shutters were opened this morning, fourth and fifth were opened today as inflows into Idukki dam continued unabated.

Kochi: A high alert has been sounded along the Periyar banks as the Idukki dam level failed to recede despite three shutters remaining open. The fourth and fifth shutters were opened after 1 pm as the water level touched an alarming 2401.50 feet. The full reservoir level is 2403 feet.

This opening of all the shutters has caused massive flooding along the Periyar, especially in towns close to the dam. By evening, the massive water flow will reach thickly populated places in Aluva Periyar river bank near Kochi.

A high alert has been sounded all along the banks. The IMD has forecast more rains in the coming days.

The Army was able to rescue 30 tourists who were stranded at the tourist spot of Munnar.

A massive rehabilitation is underway and the government seems to have handled the situation well.

Apart from the flooding, Idukki also witnessed massive landslides.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cancelled all his programmes and is constantly reviewing the situation.

Wayanad remains cut off even as the Army has fanned into the district.

So far 26 people have been killed, mainly in districts of Idukki district, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode.

A quick reaction rescue team of 122 TA Battallion of Kannur has been carrying massive rescue operations. The undaunted selfless service of these soldiers of India is really commendable and we are highly proud of our brave hearts – “The Kannur Terriers”#keralarains #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/vdcwenFHDG

— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) August 10, 2018

With the new moon tomorrow, the monsoon is likely to intensify further. Usually during the new moon period, Kerala is pounded by rain.

Nilambur in Malappuram district recorded the highest rains in the history of the state in 24 hours — 398 mm millimetre as against the 321.6 mm recorded at Mananthawady in Wayanad district in 1941.

#keralarains #KeralaFloods #Nilambur #Wandoor road #Malappuram #Kerala pic.twitter.com/u4b4dfljUl

— biju govind (@bijugovind) August 9, 2018

Four teams of the National Disaster Response Force, comprising 45 personnel each, reached from Chennai to assist the rescue and relief operations. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team of the central government is also visiting flood-affected areas in Kerala, while Army troops are being mobilised from Bengaluru for deployment in the rain-battered southern state.

#WATCH Kerala Fire & Rescue Department rescue people from low-lying residential areas using boats as rain water enters houses in Pathalam, Ernakulam. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/TnnmPItU9T

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2018

An AN-32, two MI-17 and one advanced light helicopter from the Indian Air Force, one advanced light helicopter from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard ae currently in service, the Chief Minister tweeted.

Dramatic visuals of people being washed away in Kaniyambatta in #Wayanad #Kerala. People formed a human chain and tried to rescue them. The hilly districts of #Wayanad and #Idukky are been completely inundated with red alerts issued in both districts. #KeralaFloods #KeralaRains pic.twitter.com/VEfqy32Aum

— Paul Oommen (@Paul_Oommen) August 9, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying the Centre “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kerala in the wake of this calamity.”

Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and discussed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of the state. Offered all possible assistance to those affected. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kerala in the wake of this calamity. @CMOKerala

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2018

With water levels rising in various dams and reaching almost their maximum capacity, shutters of at least 22 reservoirs in Kerala have been opened to drain out excess water.

Educational institutions were closed in six districts and people have been advised to avoid travel in hilly areas of the state. The CM also requested people not to crowd dam areas and take selfies.

Several areas in Palakkad town remained flooded with water crossing the first floor of houses. People have lost all their belongings and documents.