The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) on Thursday told TNM that despite all the 35 dams (with shutters) in the state being opened, the water levels in almost all dams have not reduced.
Talking to TNM, Mohammed Siyad, the public relations officer of the KSEB said “there are around 55 dams in the state and all the ones with shutters are opened at the moment. Out of the 55 dams, 35 dams are run by the KSEB and the rest by the irrigation department.”
More than 45 people have died in rain related incidents on Thursday alone, and despite thousands being rescued, thousands of others are waiting for help. However, KSEB says that there is no good news for now as far as water levels are concerned.
“There are around 20 to 25 main dams and around 10 to 12 small dams run by the KSEB. Opening the shutters of the main dams like the Cheruthoni or the Idamalayar dam is what has caused floodings in many areas,” said Siyad.
Siyad said that despite the shutters of all the dams in the state being opened, the water level has not reduced with the water levels at some of the dams still recorded to be at the Full Reservoir Levels (FRL).
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a press meet on Thursday said that there are chances that the water levels will rise in Periyar and Chalakudy region.
He requested the people who are staying within 1-kilometer radius of Chalakudy should vacate their places immediately.
The CM had also urged the people along the banks of the rivers to cooperate and listen to the orders given by KSEB and other officials.
“Even if there are no rains or floodings in your area, if the officials ask you to leave, you must listen to them. If anybody is hesitating to move, the officials must politely make him/her understand the gravity of the situation and convince him to vacate,” said Pinarayi Vijayan
“Saving the lives of the people will be of utmost priority,” Pinarayi Vijayan added.
There is no respite for the people of Kerala from the incessant rains, and lakhs of people are in relief camps across all districts in the state. Rescue operations are being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), army, navy and the coast guard on a war footing.
"The situation is grave; the rain is expected to continue. I spoke to the Prime Minister and President. I also asked the Prime Minister to speak to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister about bringing down the water level in Mullaperiyar dam,” the CM said.
A red alert has been issued in all the 14 districts of the state.