Idukki: Authorities at the Mullaperiyar Dam have opened the spillway shutters as water levels in the reservoir continue to rise due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. As of Saturday morning, three spillway shutters have been raised by 75 cm each, allowing 1,063 cubic feet of water per second to flow into the Periyar River. The water level in the dam currently stands at 138.25 feet, surpassing the rule curve limit of 137.70 feet.
Tamil Nadu officials have announced that in the next phase, three additional spillway shutters will be raised by 75 cm each to maintain safe water levels. The early opening of shutters comes after the water level crossed 136 feet at 3:00 am on Saturday, driven by heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment area. The Idukki district administration has urged residents on both banks of the Periyar to remain highly cautious and stay alert for sudden increases in water flow.
Idukki continues to experience intense rainfall, with 100 mm recorded in Kootar and 188 mm in Vellayamkudi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad, warning of heavy rain in hilly regions, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds likely in the afternoon. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to monitor water levels and avoid unnecessary travel.
The cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjacent Lakshadweep regions is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area, increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and strong winds along the coast. In response, a ban on fishing has been imposed along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep until further notice, as rough seas and gusty winds pose significant hazards for marine activities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with disaster management teams to ensure timely evacuation and safety measures if necessary. With ongoing rainfall and rising water levels, residents along the Periyar and in hilly districts are urged to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.