With one of the five shutters of the Idukki reservoir, one of the largest arch-dams in Asia, opened, water level in Periyar river rose to dangerous levels, ringing alarm bells in Ernakulam district which hosts the Kochi city.
As the flood has led to increased siltation in the river water, operations of several pumping stations which carry water to the Kochi corporation area have been affected. Operation of one station has already been suspended.
For the first time in the recent history, the level of silt in the river water has increased to 400 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU). If it is not reduced in the coming days, the operations of other pumping stations will also have to be halted.
Kerala State Electricity Board has issued a red alert as water level in Idukki dam continued to rise despite keeping one of the five shutters open for several hours on Thursday. The water level has touched 2,399.56 feet on Thursday evening.
It is the first time in 26 years that the shutter of the Cheruthoni dam has been opened.
Meanwhile, incessant rains and landslides continue to play havoc in the state. As per State Emergency Operations Centre, 22 people have been killed so far in floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains in several districts.