THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As heavy rains are continuing to lash the state, people should remain extremely vigilant, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. As strong winds are likely, all should beware of hazards, he added.

People should be extremely cautious in low-lying areas, river banks and landslide-prone hilly areas. Red alert has been issued for dams namely Lower Periyar, Kallarkutty, Erattayar, Kuttiady, Moozhiyar, Ponmudi, orange alert for Peringalkuth and Meenkara irrigation dams and blue alert for Neyyar and Mangalam irrigation dams.

Water is being released from Malankara, Siruvani, Kuttiady, Kallada, Karapuzha, Kanjirapuzha, Peachey, Maniyar, Bhuthathankettu, Moolathara and Pazhassi dams. Residents of the area should remain vigilant and take precautions.

The water level in Mullaperiyar dam has gone up to 135.75 feet. When the level rises to 136.60 feet, water will be released through the spillway. Hence, residents of the area should remain alert.

A total of 1,485 people is currently staying in disaster relief camps in various districts of the state. Around 81 houses were completely destroyed and 1,278 others were partially destroyed in the rains. A total of 23 deaths have been reported. 11 people sustained injuries and three have gone missing.