Orange alert sounded to people living near Periyar

Idukki: With water levels in Idukki dam touching 2395 feet, Kerala government issued an Orange alert to people living on the flanks of the Periyar.

Steady down pour through the day saw the water level in the Idukki reservoir touching the sensitive level on Monday night.

It stands eight feet short of the reservoir’s full capacity, prompting authorities to issue the Orange alert.

On Monday morning the water levels in the dam lolled at 2394.64feet. Water level rose as the steady rainfall continued through the day.

Rescue and relief teams have been deployed in both Idukki and Ernakulam district to meet the untoward incidents in case dam’s shutters being opened. Shutters have not been opened since 1992.

However, dam shutters will be opened only after the third and final Red alert, when the water levels nudge at 2399 feet.

Even though the catchment areas of the dam have been receiving rains, the intensity is just one-third of what it was earlier. The authorities, however, are confident that there is nothing to worry about.

The residents living in and around the low-lying areas of downstream have already been alerted.

The district authorities have made elaborate arrangements and a 1,000-strong police force is camping in the area to tackle any eventuality.