Idukki dam reaches near-full storage

Water levels in the Idukki dam reached 2,399 feet on Wednesday, just four feet below the full capacity, following continuous rain in the area for the past two days. More rain in the region may force the authorities to open dam shutters, which they last did 20 years ago.

Shutters at the Lower Periyar and Idamalayar dams, both touching full storage levels, had been opened to counter possible flooding.

According to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), water level at the 16 major dams in the state was together at 96 per cent of their full capacities on Tuesday. The Met Department has predicted heavy rain in isolated places in Kerala till Thursday. It has also predicted strong winds touching 45-55 kmph along the Kerala coast.

Idukki and Munnar in the district continued to receive good rain on Wednesday, with each recording 7 cm rainfall.