Kerala On Alert As Heavy Rains Persist; Mullaperiyar Dam Gates Likely To Open Today

Kerala remains on edge as heavy monsoon rains continue to batter the state, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for five districts—Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad—and a yellow alert in several districts across the state. The persistent rainfall has led to rising water levels in rivers and dams, triggering precautionary evacuations in several flood-prone areas.

Kerala Rain Update 

The IMD has forecast continued heavy showers across the state and warned of strong winds and rough sea conditions, especially in coastal areas and the Lakshadweep islands. Thiruvananthapuram is expected to see intermittent rain under generally cloudy skies with officials also issuing alerts for fishermen and advising them not to venture into the sea.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Saturday (June 28) in the districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been announced for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, warning residents to stay prepared for moderate rain and potential disruptions. On Sunday (June 29), the yellow alert has been extended to include Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad, marking Day 3 of continued rainfall warnings in the region.

Mullaperiyar Dam Shutters Likely To Be Opened Today

Amid these developments, concerns have escalated over the potential opening of the Mullaperiyar dam. Tamil Nadu officials have indicated they may release water once the level crosses 136 feet. As of 8 PM on Friday, the reservoir had reached 135.35 feet, prompting Kerala’s Idukki district administration to make urgent preparations.

District Collector V Vigneshwari announced that 3,220 people from 883 families in vulnerable villages—including Periyar, Manjumala, Upputhura, Elappara, Ayyappankovil, Kanchiyar, Aanavilasam, and Udumbanchola—are being moved to safety, as per a report on PTI. Over 20 relief camps have been set up in anticipation of the potential dam release. Authorities have urged Tamil Nadu to open the dam shutters only during daylight to ensure a coordinated response and minimise risk to life and property.

Schools functioning as relief camps in Kottayam and all schools under the Thrissur District Education Office will remain closed on June 28 as a safety measure.

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