Thiruvananthapuram: Four shutters of the Idamalayar dam in Ernakulam district were opened on Thursday morning.
The rapid rise in water level forced the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to prepone the opening of the shutters to 5 am from 8 am.
Authorities have urged those living along banks of Periyar River to stay vigilant.
Though authorities had informed that only one shutter of Idamalayar dam would be opened, four shutters were opened on Thursday. Low-lying areas in Kalady and Aluva are getting flooded.
A red alert was sounded on Wednesday and the KSDMA asked the public not to panic.
"The increase in water level downstream due to this limited discharge is estimated to be contained within the river banks," it said in a release.
The water level in the Idukki dam also increased after heavy rain lashed its catchment area.
The water level in the Idukki reservoir touched 2398.40 feet Thursday morning. Its full is 2,403 feet.
Holiday for select schools
The Kannur district collector has declared a holiday for schools, professional colleges and Anaganwadis in the Iritti and Talipparamba taluks here.
The University of Kannur postponed the examinations scheduled for Thursday.
Holiday was also declared for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Wayanad.
Higher secondary and college level examinations have also been postponed. The district administration of Malappuram has declared a holiday for schools and Anganwadis in Nilambur and Kondotty taluks.
Professional colleges will function and exams will be conducted without any changes, district collector Amit Meena said.
The Kozhikode collector has declared holiday for educational institutions including professional colleges in Thamarassery taluk, Nadapuram, Kunnumal, Perambra, Balussery and Mukkam in the district.
Holiday was also declared for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Idukki, Devikulam, Udubanchola taluks. All educational institutions in Palakkad will also remain shut.
Holiday was declared for all schools in Kollam district and Chalakudi taluk in Thirssur.
