Kerala issues alert after Idukki dam water level approaches limits
An Orange alert has been issued along the banks of the Periyar in Kerala as water level in the Idukki dam rose to 2395ft at night yesterday. Rescue and relief teams have been deployed in both Idukki and Ernakulam. The army, navy and coast guard are on alert. The 25-year water level high came after heavy rains lashed the state. Downpour has continued today.
Idukki received 50% more rainfall this year than 2017
Idukki received 192.3cm of rainfall this year, nearly 50% more than last year. An Orange alert is the second of three levels. Code Green, the first, was issued by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) when water levels in the dam touched 2390ft. The final - Code Red - will be issued when levels reach 2399ft; the dam's maximum capacity is 2403ft.
The dam hasn't been opened in 25 years
Officials will be forced to open the dam once Code Red is reached, they said. The 45-year-old dam, one of Asia's largest, hasn't been opened in 25 years. Authorities have said the shutters at Cheruthoni will be opened so that water flows into the Cheruthoni river, which merges into the Periyar. They are discussing opening the dam in a trial run.
Kerala floods killed at least 40 two weeks ago
As rivers in Kerala flowed above normal levels, educational institutions in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur have been shut down. A few landslips have been reported from hilly areas. CM Pinarayi Vijayan said NDRF teams have been deployed in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Idukki. Two choppers are on standby. Two weeks ago, floods in Alappuzha and Kottyam killed at least 40. Relief of Rs. 80cr was announced.
In the north, Delhi fights a similar battle
In the north too, the Yamuna is inching towards its highest water level since 2013. Fifteen people were saved from drowning near Shamshan Ghat in Burari. Delhi Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot visited the affected areas yesterday and directed redressal "within an hour." According to the government, 10,000 people have been evacuated so far and 1,150 tents set up.
