Economy

Here’s how Kerala’s dams worsen the once-in-century floods

Updated : 2018-10-11 11:43:35

More than 5 million people in Kerala were affected and over 200 were killed amid torrential rain and floods in August. The flooding, dubbed the worst to hit the southern state in nearly a century, caused billions of dollars of damage to fields, homes and other infrastructure.

As the rain intensified in mid-August state authorities were forced to release water from 35 dams to manage rising waters in reservoirs, many of which are used to generate hydroelectricity.

State government officials say the severity of the flooding was due to a once-in-a-century storm that could not reasonably have been prepared for, and that the spilling of dam water had little impact.

Reuters

A man rides his motorbike over a damaged bridge in Idukki, Kerala, India. September 6, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

A general view of Cheruthoni dam with one open gate is seen in Idukki, Kerala, India. September 5, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

Rescue workers evacuate people from flooded areas after the opening of Idamalayr, Cheruthoni and Mullaperiyar dam gates following heavy rains, on the outskirts of Kochi, India. August 16, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

Farmer, Joby Pathrose transports bananas on his scooter to a shop at Okkal village in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. September 25, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V

Farmer, Joby Pathrose speaks to his wife Kavitha at their house in Okkal village in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. September 25, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V

Farmer, Joby Pathrose works in his banana field at Okkal village in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. September 25, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V

Rescuers evacuate people from a flooded area to a safer place in Aluva, Kerala, India. August 18, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

Partially submerged trucks are surrounded by floodwaters at a parking bay after the opening of Idamalayar, Cheruthoni and Mullaperiyar dam gates following heavy rains, on the outskirts of Kochi, Kerala. August 16, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

Man gets dressed after bathing in Periyar river at Okkal village in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. September 25, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V

People stand on the steps of Aluva Shiva Temple complex submerged in water after the opening of Idamalayar dam gate following heavy rains, on the outskirts of Kochi, Kerala. August 9, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

An auto-rickshaw drives past a damaged car from a landslide in Idukki, Kerala, India. September 6, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V

Rescue personnel patrol flooded waters on the banks of Periyar River after the opening of Idamalayar and Cheruthoni dam gates following heavy rains, on the outskirts of Kochi, Kerala. August 10, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

Workers fix pipes on the banks of Muthirapuzha River as they construct a temporary bridge in Munnar, Kerala, India. September 6, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V

Idukki Arch Dam is seen in Kerala, India. September 5, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V