Thodupuzha: In a major relief, two shutters of the Cheruthoni dam were closed on Monday evening after water in the Idukki reservoir receded to a safe level. However, the remaining three shutters will remain open.
At present, the water level in the dam is at 2397.04 feet.
KSEB chairman NS Pillai had earlier said the amount of water released would be regulated when the level touched 2,397 feet. There was no need to open the Mullaperiyar dam shutters as of now, he added.
Also read: Rain fury in Kerala
Idukki dam, the biggest arch dam in Asia, was opened after 26 years last week as the water level inched towards its maximum capacity of 2,403 feet. Cheruthoni dam shutters are opened to release water from the Idukki reservoir.
Cheruthoni dam explained in graphics
Incessant rain in the catchment area had caused the rapid rise in the water level.
Also read: Cheruthoni water level towers over pyramid
As many as 24 dams were opened in the state as rain intensified across the state. More than 60,000 people have been accommodated in relief camps set up in different areas, including in Wayand, where over 14,000 people had been sheltered.
Click for pictures: As Idukki soaks in rain
Ten columns of Army, a unit of Madras Regiment along with personnel of Navy, Air Force and NDRF are engaged in relief and rescue work in badly-hit districts - Kozhikode, Idukki, Malappuram, Kannur and Wayanad.
Read more: Latest Kerala news
