Continuous rainfall battered Kerala, triggering a spate in rivers, flooding homes, and uprooting trees across several parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for three districts as the situation worsened. Idukki, the hilly district at the heart of the crisis, continued to receive heavy downpours on Thursday, pushing the water level in the Mullaperiyar Dam dangerously close to its maximum permissible limit. Several low-lying areas in Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur were inundated amid the relentless rains.

At 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, the Mullaperiyar dam’s water level stood at 133.65 feet — just 2.35 feet below the 136-foot threshold, prompting district authorities to issue a high alert and prepare for a potential controlled release of water, reported The Hindu.

Mullaperiyar Dam Nears Capacity

With no signs of respite from the rain, the Idukki district administration has warned residents, especially those living along the banks of the Periyar River, to remain vigilant. The Aluva Mahadeva Temple, located in a low-lying area, has already been completely submerged. If rainfall persists, the authorities may be forced to open the spillway shutters of the Mullaperiyar Dam to prevent overflow and ensure structural safety, as per Mathrubhumi.

In Wayanad, the relentless downpour has led to rising water levels in the Chooralmala River, particularly affecting the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region. The river is currently in strong spate, with turbulent, muddy waters eroding its banks near the Bailey bridge, posing risks to nearby infrastructure and low-lying areas.

IMD Issues Red & Orange Alerts Across Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts as intense rainfall continues to lash several parts of Kerala. An orange alert has also been sounded in seven additional districts including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur, urging residents and local authorities to remain vigilant. 

Yellow alerts have been issued for several other districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam Alappuzha, Kasaragod and Lakshadweep. These warnings will continue into the coming days, with widespread alerts in place for June 27 and 28 as well. Rain or thundershowers are expected at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Meanwhile, IMD authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to relocate to safer areas and avoid riverbanks and flood-prone zones. People are advised not to remain in structurally weak buildings or venture into water-logged areas.