Kumily: Idukki district is reeling under relentless downpours, forcing the opening of the Mullaperiyar Dam after water levels surged past the rule curve. Authorities have opened three shutters, releasing water at a rate of 1,400 cubic feet per second (cusecs) to ease the pressure.
By 8 a.m., the dam level had climbed to 138.25 feet, compared to 136 feet recorded just hours earlier at 3 a.m. The district administration has issued a high alert to residents along both sides of the Periyar River, urging them to remain vigilant. Officials assured that all precautionary measures are in place and urged the public not to panic.
The intense rain, which began Friday night, continues to lash Kumily, Nedumkandam, and Kattappana, triggering flash floods and landslides in parts of the district.
Floodwaters entered the Vandiperiyar Community Health Centre, while several homes in Kakkikavala were inundated. In Nedumkandam, a scooter and a car parked near the hanging bridge were washed away, and in Kootar, a traveller van was swept off by gushing waters.
Meanwhile, the Kallar Dam, which channels water into the Idukki Reservoir, has also been partially opened. With the level crossing 824.5 meters, four shutters were raised by 60 cm each, releasing 160 cubic meters per second (cumecs) of water.
Authorities are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring as heavy rain shows no sign of abating, keeping emergency teams on high alert across the district.
