Several dams opened in Kerala

Idukki:  Shutters of several dams were opened on Tuesday due to incessant rains lashing several parts of Kerala.

All five shutters of the Idukki dam, four shutters of Idamalayar dam and 13 shutters of Mullapperiyar dam have been raised to discharge excess rain water due to torrential rains in its catchment areas. Traffic has been restricted on the water-logged Tadiyambadu Chappath road in Idukki, informed sources said.

Tourism activities were also banned in view of the rains and minor landslides in many places in Idukki. The authorities alerted people living on the banks of Periyar river asking them to be cautious against the rising water level. The Idukki administration has set up a 24-hour control room in Manjumala village office in view of the release of water from Mullaperiyar dam. A shutter of the Banasura Sagar dam in Wayanad was opened to discharge excess water. Four shutters of Malampuzha dam were also raised to release excess water. Pampa, Kakki-Anathodu and Mattupetti dams were also opened due to heavy rains.

A total of 22 people have died in connection with various rain related incidents in Kerala since July 31.