Idukki: Persistent heavy rains across Idukki have led to a significant rise in the water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam, prompting the authorities to open all 13 shutters to manage the increasing inflow. The water level in the reservoir has reached 139.30 feet, marking a sharp rise of nearly six feet within the last 24 hours, following continuous downpours in the dam’s catchment area.
The Idukki district administration has issued a strong caution to residents living along both banks of the Periyar River, urging them to remain vigilant and move to safer locations if necessary. The dam is currently releasing 8,800 cubic feet of water per second (cusecs) through its spillway, resulting in a noticeable surge in water flow downstream.
According to officials, the situation intensified after the dam’s storage capacity surpassed the prescribed limit set under the “rubble curve” guideline. In response, authorities initially opened three shutters on Saturday morning to relieve pressure. However, as inflow continued to rise rapidly due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment regions, all 13 shutters were subsequently lifted to ensure controlled discharge and prevent structural strain on the reservoir.
The continuing rainfall has also raised concerns over possible flash floods and waterlogging in areas along the Periyar’s downstream stretch, including low-lying regions in Vandiperiyar, Vallakadavu, and Periyar Colony. Disaster management teams are closely monitoring the situation, and district authorities have stepped up surveillance near vulnerable riverbanks.
Meteorologists have warned that the low-pressure system over the southeast Arabian Sea and the adjoining Kerala–Karnataka coast may further intensify, which could sustain heavy rainfall in Idukki and neighbouring districts over the next few days. The rising water level in Mullaperiyar, coupled with heavy inflow into the Idukki Reservoir, has prompted authorities to maintain high alert status across the high-range belt.
Local administrations have been instructed to keep rescue teams and relief shelters ready, while residents have been advised to avoid venturing near riverbanks or crossing flooded roads. Officials emphasized that the situation, though under control, requires continued public cooperation and strict adherence to safety advisories to prevent untoward incidents.
As the rains show no sign of abating, Idukki remains under the watchful eye of both meteorological experts and disaster management authorities, with the focus now shifting toward ensuring the safety of residents in flood-prone areas downstream of the Mullaperiyar.