Idukki (Kerala): With water levels rising rapidly in the catchment areas of Kallarkutty Dam due to heavy monsoonal rainfall, District Collector has granted permission to raise the dam’s spillway shutters on Friday, July 31 from 6 pm onwards.

The water level in the dam currently stands at 455.20 metres, against its maximum storage capacity of 456.60 metres. Considering the request of the Executive Engineer, the District Collector issued orders to raise the shutters as a precautionary measure to release up to 500 cumecs of water as needed.

Precautionary measures and high alert

This precautionary step comes amid an orange alert issued for the district due to the likelihood of very heavy rainfall.

Alert for riverbanks: The District Collector, who also chairs the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), has advised residents along the banks of the Muthirapuzha and Periyar rivers to maintain extreme caution as water levels are expected to rise.

Emergency preparedness: Special directives have been issued to the Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Revenue, Health Department and local self-government institutions to remain on standby to manage any emergency situations.