Kerala rains: water from Idukki dam released to avoid replay of 2018 floods, IMD issues warning

Shutters of Idukki dam opened after 3 years as rain in Kerala continued to lash districts across the banks of the Periyar. As the water level at one of Asia's largest reservoir inched towards the red alert level. Kerala state authorities opened 3 shutters releasing one lakh litres of water from the dam per second to avoid a replay of the 2018 floods. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is predicting heavy rains to continue over the next few days sounding an orange alert for 11 districts.

Also watch: Kerala braces for another spell of downpour, orange alert issued for 11 districts

The dam was last opened during the massive floods of 2018 -- the spill then was 20 times more than the current water level being released, according to Kerala State Electricity Board chairman B Asok. In 2018, the five shutters of the Idukki dam were opened after 27 years, after the water level reached red alert level. At the time, the opening had caused extensive damage in Idukki and Ernakulam district claiming over 400 lives. The damages were allegedly caused because the shutters were opened without much preparation.

The state govt this time has set up over 150 refugee camps which is housing 4000 families currently. But local reports indicate many are stranded. According to the Kerala state police, nearly 1,000 travellers, who were on their way to Thekkady, Munnar, Mundakayam and Kottayam, found themselves stuck in due to landslides across the region.