It was a flood-like situation in the downstream of the Idukki dam by Friday evening as more volume of water was released after opening all the five shutters of the Cheruthoni dam.
The water rose up to the level of the low-lying bridge at Cheruthoni town, connecting the Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala State Highway, on Friday morning after three shutters were opened. Gradually, as more water was released, the surging river engulfed the bridge and a bus stand close to it.
Cheruthoni was the first town to be affected by the surging waters. There was only a trickle of water there earlier as the Idukki archdam prevented the flow of the Periyar close to the town. A long bridge connecting Vazhathoppe and Mariyapuram grama panchayats also went under water. Police personnel were posted on either side of the bridge to prevent anyone from venturing into the river. Large acreage of cultivated area on the river banks and houses close to it remained waterlogged. Plantain, coconut, areca nut and pepper cultivation were destroyed. In some areas, the river inundated the banks.
As the waters neared the town, resentment among the people was palpable. “If the KSEB had heeded the demand to release small volumes of water a little early, such a situation could have been avoided,” said Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi Cheruthoni unit president Kuttayi. There was no 24-hour prior alert or no trial run when the water reached 2,398 ft, he alleged.
According to wildlife photographer Girijan Raman, who runs a shop in Cheruthoni town, the situation had worsened as there was no power connection in the town and nearby areas.
This was done as a safety measure to avoid any contact with live wire and help the swift movement of people, he added. Mr. Raman said he had never seen such a situation before.
Thomas, who is housed at a relief camp set up at the Kanjikuzhi panchayat hall, said he did not know when he would be able to return home. He was not sure that his house remained the same. He had left everything except some documents in his small house.
Sally Jolly, Mariyapuram grama panchayat president, said the evacuation process was started much in advance though the evacuation was a sudden development. All the relief camps were functioning with sufficient food materials and medical support, she added.