Thiruvananthapuram: Seventeen dams in the state were opened yesterday as they started filling up ahead of the monsoon season. A red alert has been declared at two major dams.

With the onset of monsoon on the 31st, there is concern that the situation may worsen. Summer rains were strong yesterday as well. This time the summer rainfall was more than 131 percent.

The water level in Idukki Kallarkutty is 455.80 feet. As the rains continued, the water flow increased. The dam's maximum capacity is 456.59 feet. The water level in the Moozhiyar dam in Pathanamthitta rose to 191.70 feet. Its maximum capacity is 192.63 feet. With this, the Disaster Management Authority declared the red alert in both places. People living on the river banks have been warned to exercise caution. Orange alert was declared in Peringalkuthu, Thrissur as the water level rose to 418.65 feet. Its total capacity is 423.98 feet. If the rains continue, a red alert will be issued here as well. KSEB controls all three dams.

About 20 large reservoirs of the Irrigation Department are in full condition before the monsoon. Of these, a yellow alert has been issued in 17 dams and shutters have been raised to release water. This is to prevent flooding in low-lying areas where the water level rises sharply. Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea and Cyclone Yaas in the Bay of Bengal caused heavy rainfall over the state ahead of the monsoon. The rising water level in the dams before the monsoon is a cause for concern. If there is more low pressure at the beginning of the monsoon, the situation in the state may worsen. Authorities are on high alert to prevent flooding.

Major dams that were opened

Thiruvananthapuram Neyyar, Idukki Malankara, Palakkad Siruvani Kollam Kallada, Thrissur Chimmini, Peechi, Pathanamthitta Maniyar, Ernakulam Bhoothathankettu, Kannur Pazhassi.

Water level in large dams (maximum capacity in brackets)

Idukki -2336.52 (2400.3 ft)

Idamalayar - 139.10 (165 ft)

Kakki - 960 (981 feet)

Banasurasagar-756 (775.6 ft)

Kuttiadi-749 (758 ft)

Pampa-966 (986.3 ft)

Lower Periyar -250.6 (253 ft)

There are 81 dams in the state- 59 to KSEB, 20 to irrigation department and 2 to water authority.