Idukki: With the northeast monsoon intensifying across Kerala, heavy rainfall has continued to pound several districts, prompting authorities to open the shutters of the Mullaperiyar Dam after the water level crossed the 137-foot mark. As of 6 a.m. on Saturday, the reservoir recorded a level of 137.8 feet, forcing the decision to release excess water into the Periyar River.
All 13 shutters of the dam are scheduled to be raised in a phased manner, initially releasing around 5,000 cusecs of water. Officials from the Kerala Disaster Management Authority stated that the discharge may be increased gradually, depending on inflow and rainfall intensity, in line with the dam’s rule curve. The Idukki District Collector has instructed residents living along both banks of the Periyar River to remain on high alert and relocate to safer zones if necessary.
Tahsildars in the vulnerable regions have been directed to coordinate evacuation efforts, while the Idukki Sub-Collector has been tasked with overseeing flood response and disaster management operations. Authorities clarified that although the dam’s water level has risen sharply, the current level of the Periyar River remains manageable, and there is no immediate threat of major flooding downstream.
Despite these assurances, several parts of Idukki have already reported waterlogging and flash floods due to continuous overnight rainfall. In Vandiperiyar, homes at Kakki Kavala were inundated, forcing multiple families to shift to nearby relief camps. Emergency teams have been deployed to assist stranded residents and ensure the distribution of food and essential supplies.
A severe flash flood in the Nedumkandam–Kootar region caused extensive damage to roads and infrastructure. A traveller van parked outside the State Bank of India branch in Kootar was swept away by floodwaters late Friday night. Fortunately, the vehicle—owned by Reji of Elamthara, Third Camp was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Continuous rain and landslides in the region have further hampered rescue operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a yellow alert across nine districts Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad for Saturday. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the weekend, with alerts extended for additional northern districts including Kannur and Kasaragod over the next three days.
Forecasts for the coming week are as follows:
• October 18: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
• October 19: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
• October 20: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
• October 21: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
According to IMD’s latest bulletin, an upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea and the adjoining Lakshadweep region, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is expected to form over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep by October 18. The system is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression within the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the system over the Comorin area has weakened into a trough of low pressure extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. Another trough currently runs from the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep to the southwest Bay of Bengal across the Comorin region and Sri Lanka, contributing to persistent moisture inflow and widespread rainfall.
The IMD has also issued an advisory for coastal regions, warning of squally weather conditions along the Kerala coast with wind speeds reaching 35–45 kmph and gusts up to 55 kmph. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, as rough conditions are expected along the Kerala–Karnataka coast and adjoining areas.
Authorities have urged residents in hilly and low-lying regions to remain vigilant, especially in landslide-prone areas. With the monsoon gaining strength, the risk of flash floods, soil erosion, and property damage remains high. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has activated control rooms in all districts to coordinate rescue efforts and disseminate real-time weather updates.
As the state braces for continued downpours and the controlled release of water from major reservoirs, disaster management teams remain on high alert to mitigate risks and safeguard communities in the path of rising rivers.