Kumily: Heavy rains in the catchment areas of the Mullaperiyar dam over the past few days have raised the water level to 140 feet, prompting Tamil Nadu authorities to issue the first alert amid concerns of further rise.

The water level has increased by approximately three feet in the last two days. Under the current rule curve, Tamil Nadu can store water in the dam up to 142 feet. At present, 4,000 cubic feet of water per second is flowing into the reservoir, while 698 cubic feet per second is being released downstream.

Meanwhile, the water level in the Vaigai dam, which has a maximum storage capacity of 71 feet, is at 61 feet. Any increase in the Mullaperiyar reservoir could result in additional inflow to the Vaigai dam. However, the level there has slightly decreased due to reduced rainfall in the Mullaperiyar catchment on Tuesday.

Officials said that since the water level in the Periyar River remains low, coastal residents need not be concerned even if the sluice gates have to be opened.