Idukki: With the water level in the Idukki reservoir touching 2,395 feet on Monday night, just eight feet short of the full reservoir level, an orange alert was issued by the authorities.

People living in areas which may be flooded once the shutters of the Cheruthoni dam are opened, must take the necessary precautions, said the state disaster management authority.

Safety measures must be adopted by people living in areas where the waters of Idamalayar dam had reached when its shutters were lifted in 2013.

Tourists and visitors have been advised to keep off areas like Vazhathope, Mariyapuram, Kanjikuzhi, Vathikudi and Konnathady panchayats in Idukki district to facilitate smooth management of the dam water release.

Other instructions:

Do not cross the river after the shutters are raised. People should not gather on bridges or river banks.

Desist from clicking selfies from bridges and near the river.

Avoid bathing and washing clothes in the swollen river.

People living near the river and in areas where flooding has occurred in the past should keep an emergency kit ready.

It must include a torch, radio, drinking water, Oral Rehydration Solution, emergency medicines, 100 grams peanuts, 100 g dried grapes or dates, a small knife, 10 chlorine tablets, a battery bank or batteries for torch, mobile phone with full charge and cash.

Keep important documents, jewellery and other valuables in a plastic bag. Place the bag at an easily accessible spot at a good height.

Inform all family members about official alerts. Train them to respond top emergency announcements in an appropriate manner even if they are alone.

Listen to warnings issued through radio and TV and keep track of necessary radio stations.

Local bodies will inform people about the safe areas in each panchayats. In an emergency, shift there as soon as possible.

If water enters the building, immediately turn off the main switch.

Save the phone numbers of local body officials.

In case sick, elderly, young or physically challenged people are part of the family, ensure that they are the first to be evacuated. If help is needed, inform the nearest police station.

Keep electrical appliances at a height from ground level.

Shift domestic animals to a safe place or release them – they can swim.

Residents of apartments in low-lying areas should avoid parking cars in the basement.

Local people should not join rescue efforts unless they have received the necessary training.

Desist from night travel – from 7 pm to 7 am - in hilly areas as land slips may occur.

Do not venture into the sea at beaches for pleasure. Water level may rise in rivers and canals. Do not enter these waterbodies.

Avoid parking vehicles under trees. Residents of areas vulnerable to landfalls should be alert.

Respond positively to evacuation alerts. Do not hesitate if officials ask you to vacate houses.

With the weather forecast till August 1 suggesting heavy rain, sudden flooding, land slips and upsurge of river waters are likely.

The contact numbers of district emergency operations centres are:

Ernakulam: 0484 – 1077 (Mobile: 7902200300, 7902200400)

Idukki: 04862 – 1077 (9061566111, 93834630360)

Thrissur: 0487 -1077, 2363424 (9447074424)