Very heavy rains lashing Idukki; shutters of Kallar Dam fully raised, Mullaperiyar Dam will be opened, says Tamil Nadu

PAINAV: Heavy rain continues to lash Idukki. Hundreds of houses in Nedumkandam and Kattappana have been flooded. There is also a suspicion of a landslide near Kattappana. The shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam will be opened in phases due to the high-water level. Tamil Nadu has announced that the shutters of the dam will be opened by 8 am. The water level in Mullaperiyar has reached above 136 feet.

Hundreds of houses have been flooded in Nedumkandam. Towns like Koottar, Third Camp, Sanyasioda, Mundiyeruma, Thookupalam, Thannimoodu and Kallar are under water. People were rescued from their houses Kumily is submerged in water. The shutters of the Kallar dam have been completely raised.

Meantime, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the state will receive heavy rains for four days under the influence of the north eastern winds and the cyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea. The heaviest rains are being received in the hilly areas of central and southern Kerala. A yellow alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad today. There is a possibility of strong thunderstorms. Strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 kmph are possible. Fishing is not allowed on the Kerala coast. Coastal residents are also advised to be vigilant as there is a possibility of high waves.