Cyclone, heavy rains predicted in state for next five days, Malampuzha dam opens

PALAKKAD: The shutters of the Malampuzha Dam have opened as heavy rain continues in the state. The executive engineer has informed that fishermen and residents on the banks of Mukkaipuzha, Kalpathi Puzha and Bharathapuzha below the dam should be on high alert. The dam is being opened for the third time in the last 45 days.

Meantime, the weather department has informed that there is a possibility of widespread rain in the state for the next five days. Yellow alert has been issued in all districts. According to the Meteorological Center, the rain will intensify in the afternoon. This is due to the presence of cyclone over Tamil Nadu and nearby areas. A low pressure area prevails over Tamil Nadu to West Vidarbha. Fishing has been banned on Kerala-Lakshadweep coasts till Friday. There is a possibility of winds to blow at a speed of 55 km/h are also possible.

A red alert has been issued in KSEB’s Idamalayar, Kakki, Banasurasagar, Sholayar, Ponmudi, Kundala, Lower Periyar, Kallarkutty and Moozhiyar dams. Mattupetti, Anayirangal and Peringalkuth are on orange alert and Idukki and Kuttiyadi are on blue alert. Yellow alert has been announced in all districts today and tomorrow. Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Kasaragod districts are on yellow alert on Friday. Yellow alert has also been declared in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram on Saturday.