IMD revises forecast; red alert in 3 districts, orange alert in 7

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its forecast, issuing a red alert for three districts: Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad. The remaining districts are placed under orange and yellow alerts, warning of heavy to very heavy rain in the coming days.

In Ernakulam, residents of Muvattupuzha reported waterlogging in several homes. In Kozhikode, the water level at the Kakkayam Dam reached 757.50 metres. Following this, a red alert was issued, and the Executive Engineer announced that the excess water would be released into the river.

In Wayanad, the Kalloor River in Muthanga has overflowed, while landslides continue to be reported from the Chooralmala area. Authorities have issued flood warnings along the Kabani River, urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.

Rainfall alerts and forecast
The IMD has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Kerala for the next three days, accompanied by strong winds.
Orange alert in districts:
June 27 (Friday): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur
June 28 (Saturday): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur

Yellow alert in districts:
June 27 (Friday): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.
June 28 (Saturday): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Kasaragod.
June 29 (Sunday): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur.

Rainfall and wind speeds up to 50 kmph are likely in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. In Thrissur and Palakkad, moderate rainfall with winds reaching 40 kmph is expected at isolated locations.

Shutters of Idukki dams opened
In response to rising water levels, shutters of several dams in Idukki, including Lower Periyar, Kallarkutty, Ponmudi, and Malankara, are opened to release excess water. Heavy flows were reported in the Muthirapuzhayar, Thodupuzha–Muvattupuzha, and Kaliyar rivers, with severe flooding observed in the Panamkootty Chappath region.

Several areas are experiencing overflowing water bodies. The parking area of the Thodupuzha KSRTC bus stand was submerged, raising concerns among locals. Water has also entered buildings, including a mosque on Idukki Road and the Arikuzha Moozhikal Bhagavathi Temple. Farmland across several hectares and low-lying buildings near water bodies were also inundated.

Banasura Sagar Dam shutters to be opened
Wayanad District Collector has announced that the shutters of the Banasura Sagar Dam would open at 10 am on Friday to release 50 cubic metres of water downstream in a phased manner, as the water level nears full capacity.

District Collector D R Meghasree, who also heads the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), said the decision follows a red alert issued by the IMD for Wayanad and ongoing heavy rain in the region. The district administration has issued warnings across the region, urging residents in low-lying areas to stay alert, as downstream water levels are expected to rise.

As part of precautionary measures, the district administration has instructed that the dam's spillway shutters must not be raised between 6 pm and 6 am. Authorities have been directed to use public address systems to warn people residing in nearby areas and downstream of the dam about safety protocols.

The police, fire and rescue services, and local bodies have been asked to ensure the dissemination of information to all potentially affected zones. The District Collector also instructed the Dam Safety Executive Engineer to directly alert all heads of district and village panchayats, tahsildars, and village officers, either in person or over the phone, prior to any shutter operations.

Additionally, the water level in downstream rivers must be assessed before raising the spillway shutters. Secretaries of local administrative bodies have been directed to make advance preparations for the evacuation of residents in low-lying areas, anticipating the possibility of flash floods.

High wave alert issued
Meanwhile, the Kerala coast from Kunzhathur to Kotte Kunnu, including Kasaragod and Kannur, is under a high wave alert. The IMD has forecast waves of 3.1 to 3.3 metres from 5.30 pm on June 25 to 5.30 pm on June 27. Fisherfolk and those involved in marine or nearshore activities have been strongly advised to exercise caution.

Disaster management authorities have urged the public to stay alert, follow official advisories, and avoid venturing into hilly areas, riversides, or the sea during the alert period.

Rise in water level
The Central Water Commission has issued a yellow alert for the rivers Pampa (Madamon Station) in Pathanamthitta district, Thodupuzha (Manakad Station) in Idukki district, and Chalakudy (Arangali Station) in Thrissur district as part of the flood warning. Additionally, the State Irrigation Department has issued orange and yellow alerts for various rivers following dangerous rise in water levels. 

• Orange alert
  Ernakulam: Muvattupuzha (Thodupuzha Station)
  Thrissur: Bharathapuzha (Cheruthuruthy Station)
  Malappuram: Bharathapuzha (Thiruvegappura Station).
  
  
• Yellow alert
  Pathanamthitta: Achankovil (Kalleli, Konni GD Station), Pamba (Madamon).
  Kottayam: Manimala (Pullakaiyar Station)
  Idukki: Thodupuzha (Manakkad Station)
  Ernakulam: Periyar (Kalady Station, Marthanda Varma Station), Muvattupuzha (Kakkadasseri Station).
  Palakkad: Bharathapuzha (Vandazhi Station)
  Thrissur: Chalakudy (Vettilappara Station).
  Wayanad: Kabani (Baveli, Kakkavayal, Muthankara Station).