Thiruvananthapuram: As monsoon rains continue to lash Kerala, the state is on high alert with rising river levels and dam shutters being opened. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its forecast for the state, with an orange alert declared in Wayanad and Idukki districts today. 

A yellow alert has been issued in 10 districts: Kottayam, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kasaragod, Thrissur and Palakkad. No alerts are in place for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. 

An orange alert indicates the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the range of 12 cm to 20 cm in 24 hours, while a yellow alert forecasts rainfall in the range of 7 cm to 12 cm. 

The IMD has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Kerala in the next three days, accompanied by strong winds. The weather agency said that heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in the state on June 29 and July 3.

Rainfall alerts and forecast

June 28 (Saturday)
Orange alert

• Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad

Yellow alert

• Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kasaragod, Kozhikode and Kannur

June 29 (Sunday)

Yellow alert

• Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad. 

10 dead in rain-related events
A two-storey building accommodating migrant workers collapsed early on Thursday in Kodakara, Thrissur, leaving three dead. In Malappuram's Karuvarakundu, Ramshad (30), son of Kamarudheen, died while trying to rescue a friend who had been swept away by the current. In Manjeri, Abdul Latheef (42), son of Muhammad from Elankur, was found dead in a waterlogged area near his house.

In Thiruvananthapuram, S Sooraj (17), a Plus Two student from Kattayikkonam Shastavatam Kunnathu Vila House, Kazhakuttam, drowned while bathing in the municipal pond at Idathara, Sreekariyam.

In another incident, the body of Selva Regan (31), a native of Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu who went missing on the June 22 at Companymukku, Vellanad, was found in the Karamana River near Koovakkudi, Vellanad.

Dams opened in Idukki and Wayanad
With reservoirs nearing full capacity, shutters of Lower Periyar, Kallarkutty, Ponmudi, and Malankara dams in Idukki have been opened. The release has caused flooding in the Muthirapuzhayar, Thodupuzha–Muvattupuzha, and Kaliyar rivers. Inundation has affected areas like Panamkootty Chappath and Thodupuzha KSRTC stand, while water has entered a mosque and temple premises.

In Wayanad, the Banasura Sagar Dam shutters were opened at 10 am Friday, releasing 50 cubic metres of water. District Collector D R Meghasree has directed that spillway shutters should not be raised at night and ordered precautionary measures including alerts to all local bodies, evacuation readiness, and real-time water-level assessment.

The water level in the Mullaperiyar dam reached 135.25 feet as of 4 pm on Friday. In light of the Tamil Nadu Irrigation department's decision to open the dam's shutters when the water level reaches 136 feet, the Idukki district administration has started making preparations. 

The District Collector said that they have requested Tamil Nadu to open shutters only during the day.

District Collector V Vigneshwari has directed Revenue and police officials to shift 3,220 people from Periyar, Manjumala, Upputhara, Elappara, Ayyappankovil, Kanjiyar, Aanavilasam and Udumbanchola to safe areas.

Coastal alert and sea conditions
The IMD has also issued a high wave alert for Kerala’s coast from Kunjathur in Kasaragod to New Mahe in Kannur. Waves of 3.1 to 3.3 metres are expected from June 26 evening till June 27. Fisherfolk and those near the shore have been strongly advised to stay away from the sea.

Disaster management authorities have urged residents across the state to follow advisories, avoid travel through hilly terrain or near rivers, and stay alert for updates as the monsoon intensifies.