Rain continues, water level rises; Malampuzha, Banasura Sagar dams opened, alert issued

PALAKKAD: The Malampuzha and Banasura Sagar Dams were opened Friday morning at 10 am following the rise in the water level in the very heavy rains. 8.5 cubic meters of water was released from the two dams in the first second. Up to 50 cubic meters of water will be released in phases. Warnings related to this were issued yesterday. Each shutter in Malampuzha Dam was opened by five centimeters. The water level to be maintained in Malampuzha Dam from June 1 to 30 according to the rule curve is 110.49 meters. However, the present water level in the dam is 111.19 meters.

The shutters of the dam have been opened to maintain the water level in the rule curve as the water flow into the dam is increasing due to the continuous heavy rain in catchment areas. The authorities have also advised those living on the banks of the Kalpathi River and Bharathapuzha River to be vigilant as the spillway shutters of the Malampuzha Dam are being opened.

In the first phase, one shutter of the Banasura Sagar Dam was opened by ten centimeters. The district disaster management authority has issued a strict warning to those living near the dam. Those living on the banks of the Panamaram rivers and in low-lying areas should also be vigilant. Wayanad District Collector D R Meghasree said that the amount of water released from the dam will not be increased under any circumstances between 6 pm and 6 am. In case of emergency, it is also advised to call the emergency operating center ‘1077’.