Kerala Floods: Shutters Of Idukki & Pamba Dams To Be Opened Today, Death Toll Increases To 41

The Kerala government has also appointed a committee to monitor the situation and alert district officials on reopening the dams and detect vulnerable areas for shifting people to relief camps.

Relief measures underway in Kerala

Chennai: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday urged the people living near dams in the state to remain alert as the state plans to open the shutters of three dams, including those on Idukki and Pamba rivers. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting headed by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine on Monday.

The reservoirs are brimming after the spate in the rivers and the India Meteorologicl Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the region. Many parts of the state is witnessing incessant rainfall, which has resulted in floods that have claimed the lives of 41 people so far.

According to an ANI report, the shutters of Edamalayar downstream of Idukki was opened around 6 am on Tuesday as per the decision of high-level committee and two shutters of Cheruthoni dam will be opened by 11 am on Tuesday. The opening time of Pamba dam will be decided later on Tuesday.  Many dams in the state have neared the red alert level.

The Kerala government has also appointed a committee comprising the additional chief secretary (water resources) and the commissioner (disaster management) among others to monitor the situation and decide and alert district officials on reopening the dams and detect vulnerable areas for shifting people to relief camps.

The district administration initially evacuated 64 families in five villages near the Periyar dam. They have also issued instructions to the people to not bathe or fish in the water. Also, the district administration predicts inundation in several homes once the dam shutters open so they have stuck notices on the houses likely to be affected by the flooding. 

Meanwhile, Industries Minister P Rajeeve has sought the help of the fishermen and NGOs to support the government for the damage control measures. He also instructed the Irrigation Department to ensure proper flow of water and to avoid untoward events in the low-lying areas of Ernakulam district. 

Earlier, in 2018, the state reported large-scale destruction after the Idukki dam shutters were opened without proper preparation.

Floods Create Havoc In Kerala

The incessant rain in Kerala continues to create havoc in the state.

The visuals from Mundakkayam in Kottayam, where a house got washed away in a matter of a few seconds, have shocked the nation. The house was evacuated before the disaster struck.

The entire state is facing a similar situation as houses are being washed away or getting submerged in the water after landslides. The floods due to heavy rain and cloud burst have brought the state to a standstill.

As many as 11 NDRF teams, Army columns, and MI 17 and Sarang helicopters of the Indian Air Force have been deployed in the state to control the disastrous situation. So far, 41 people have lost their lives, while 12 people are still reported missing in Kottayam.

This horrific flood in Kerala has brought back memories of 2018 when the state witnessed massive landslides and major floods wrecking their houses and lives. The government has set up more than 100 relief camps for people affected due to incessant rain.