In a relief, water level in Idukki reservoir has seen a drop on Saturday. With the catchment area receiving lesser rain compared to the last two days, water inflow to the Idukki reservoir dropped with the current level at 2400.72 feet as of 1 pm on Saturday. The same measure was 2400.80 feet an hour before at 12 noon. The full capacity of the dam is 2,403 feet.
However, dam authorities have maintained status quo in releasing water from Cheruthoni dam at the rate of 750 cubic meter per second since Friday. Among the five shutters, No 2, 3 & 4 are kept 1.8 meter while 1 & 5 are kept at 1 meter.
Though the gravity of the dam situation has eased a bit on Friday, officials informed that about 11, 000 people have been provided shelter at 78 relief camps opened in Paravoor, Aluva, Kanayannur and Kunnathunad taluks in Ernakulam to battle floods. The district authorities said they have made all necessary preparations for providing food, drinking water and medical facilities to the people shifted in the camps.
People said rise in water level in Periyar river has affected their normal life.
Meanwhile, braving adverse weather conditions, thousands of pilgrims thronged on the bank of Periyar river in Aluva to perform 'Karkkidaka Vavu Bali' at a Lord Shiva temple known for the annual ritual. The temple situated in the middle of the river remained submerged in gushing waters.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accompanied by revenue minister E. Chandrasekharan, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala police chief Loknath Behra, chief secretary Tom Jose and additional chief secretary (revenue) P.H. Kurien, visited flood affected regions in northern Kerala. Earlier in the day, he team had to abandon Idukki visit due to inclement weather conditions.
Pinarayi Vijayan has promised a financial assistance of Rs 3,800 to every family living in relief camps across Kerala. The chief minister said the
government would ensure financial assistance to the affected. Those who had lost their properties and houses in the rain would get Rs 10 lakh and Rs 4 lakh would be given to the kin of the deceased.
Over 54,000 people have been shifted to relief camps across Kerala after incessant rains and floods.