The Meteorological Department has informed of heavy to heavy rains in Kerala from Saturday to the next Tuesday. Considering the 21 cm rain a dangerous sign, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has issued an order to open the shutters of Idukki and Malappuram dam. In Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts, an orange alert has been issued.
With this 50,000 lakh litre water per second will be released from the Idukki Cheruthoni dam. According to the present status, 12 dams out of 14 that are under KSEB have been opened. With the opening of Idukki, it will become 13 open dams. The only dam that is still not opened is Lower Periyar dam and there is no plan to open this dam as well.
Kerala State Electricity Board Chairman, NS Pillai has informed that there is no plan to open Lower Periyar dam as that may hamper the power production in the state. However, the board has assured that there is no need to panic as only one shutter of Idukki dam has been lifted.
Also Read: Heavy rainfall to hit Kerala, neighbouring states: IMD
Fishermen have been asked to avoid from venturing into the sea for the next few days. Tourists are being discouraged from making plans for hill stations like Munnar and Nelliyampathy. Indian Navy has put its air and surface assets at Kochi on high alert in view of adverse weather warning if issued by IMD department.
