THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The water level in the Idukki hydro electric dam reached below 2398 ft, the first warning level on Monday, bringing some relief, with the authorities saying there was no need for any panic for people living downstream, officials said.
At 7 am, the water level at Idukki is 2397.78 ft.
Water level in Idukki reservoir, the biggest arch dam in Asia which was opened after a gap of 26 years, receded for the third day from 2,398.68ft on Sunday evening to 2397.78 ft on Monday morning. It was 2,400.6ft on Saturday evening.
However, all five gates of Cheruthoni dam are still kept open with two gates raised to one metre and three raised to 1.80 metre. The net inflow of water in the last six year also showed negative.
Though rains continue at several parts of the state, the intensity is below the predicted level. The IMD has predicted heavy rain for Monday too. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had on Sunday warned that heavy to very heavy rains were expected in 16 states, including Kerala, till Monday.
The focus of revenue department and state disaster management authority has now shifted to Kuttanad with one more gate of Pamba dam opening last night. The level of the already opened gate had to be increased too. This would cause more flooding at Kuttanad in Alappuzha which has already been inundated.
With rain continuing in the catchment areas of the Banasura Sagar dam in Wayanad, the shutters of the dam will be increased from the current 90 cm to 110 cm. District administration has issued an alert to people living in the downstream areas. The current discharge from the dam is 77 cumecs.
On Tuesday morning, the state cabinet will review flood situation. A decision on whether to go ahead with planned Onam week celebration will be taken by the cabinet during the meeting.
Idukki dam
