Dam reservoirs and rivers overflowed, sections of highways collapsed and homes were swept away in severe flooding in more than half of Kerala, after days of incessant rains left nearly 54,000 people homeless and killed at least 29

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Revenue minister E Chandasekharan has said that all families in the relief camp will be given free ration. Village officers to monitor water overflowing over the Cheruthony check dam. The private bus station and check dam are in the immediate flow area of the water.

All three shutters of Idukki Dam opened 40 cm each. Situation will be reviewed at 11 am today. 2 more shutters likely to be opened after review.

"A ban has been imposed on the movement of heavy goods vehicles and tourist vehicles in the high ranges of Idukki. The decision was taken on account of unabated rains in the area," Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted.

The Indian Express reports: With water level in Idukki reservoir rising, three shutters of the Cheruthoni dam opened releasing 125 cumex of water; Periyar flowing in spate, people living near river banks asked to exercise caution.

All educational institutions including professional colleges in Kothamangalam, Kunnathunad, Aluva and Paravur taluks of Ernakulam district have been given a holiday today considering the rain situation. Similarly, schools in Kalamassery municipality, Cheranallur, Kadamakudy panchayats have also been given holiday.

Following the opening of two more shutters of Idduki dam, district authorities have started evacuating 140 families in the Cheruthoni town. An Asianet TV channel report said that 40 families will be first shifted to relief camps. Though five relief camps have been readied, most people preferred to go to their relatives’ houses.

The Kerala State Electricity Board is planning to release another 1,75,000 litres of water by either raising the shutters already opened or by opening the other two shutters. A final decision in this regard will be taken after taking stock of the situation. A high-level meeting led by Idukki district collector is in progress now.

The Ernakulam district administration has asked people living on the banks of Periyar river to move to relief camps or other safe places as the water discharged from the Idukki reservoir have started flooding several areas. With three shutters of the dam lifted up to 40 cm, 1,25,000 litres of water are flowing to the river per second.

Ernakulam: With 3 shutters of the dam lifted up to 40 cm, 1,25,000 litres of water is flowing into the river per second

District authorities enable mic announcements through affected districts to advise people to move to safe places. Many such efforts have been launched in view of the possibility of opening the other shutters. Several vehicles with mikes mounted on them have been pressed into service on both sides of the river.

Water levels on the rise downstream of Periyar river after shutters went up in Cheruthoni dam. Idukki Dam as such don't have shutters and the water is drained through Cheruthoni Dam.

The shutters of Cheruthoni dam will once again be lifted at around 11.30 am to release 300 cumecs of water i.e 3 lakh litres per second. This is expected to further deteriorate the situation.

It is too early to say which are the areas which will be flooded. But Alwaye, Kothamangalam, Angamally, Perumbavoor are areas which could be affected. Though the Kochi airport was closed for some time yesterday, the situation is not as bad as it was in 2013 when the airport was shut, says Saju Paul, former MLA. Kerala.

The sluice gates of three shutters of Idukki dam have been further raised to release more water from the reservoir. This has been done to avoid opening of more shutters. Currently three of the five shutters are open.

JUST IN: Three shutters of Idukki Dam have been raised further to release more water

Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan has cancelled all his official programmes outside state capital. He will continue in Thiruvananthapuram to take stock of the deteriorating situation in Kerala.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cancelled all his official engagements for the next three days to focus on the flood rescue and relief operations. He has appealed to the district authorities in affected areas to inform people about the risks and precautionary measures to be taken to face the situation.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala appeals to the government to suspend the upcoming Onam festivities and use the same money for rehabilitation of people affected by the floods

Revenue Minister E Chandrashekharan said that the government had sought hi-tech equipment required for rescue and relief operations from the Military Engineering department, Bangalore. The equipment will be brought to Nedumbaserry at Kochi and Karippur airport in Kozhikode and deployed in the affected areas.

The water levels have decreased in Idukki. Water from Idukki will take 8 hours to reach densely populated Aluva. Water levels have gone up in and around Periyar river. According to local sources, 62 relief camps have been opened in affected areas. Around 3,000 to 3,500 members from 182 families have been shifted to these camps.

Thirty tourists, including several foreign who were trapped in a resort at Pallivasal in Idukki district following a landslide have been rescued. The tourists who were holed up the Plum Judy resort since Wednesday were rescued by the Army.

The report said that the neighbouring government had opened the shutters of the dams on the Kabani River to clear way for water from Banasagara Sagar dam in Wayanad district to flow to Karnataka.

The Karnataka government has extended a helping hand to the Kerala government in relief operations by sanctioning Rs 10 crore and sending a team of doctors to the state. Reports from Bangalore said that Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has directed state chief secretary T M Vijayabhaskar to send all possible assistance to the government.

Cochin International Airport released a statement and said that they have reviewed the situation and operational area of the airport has not been affected. "There is no need to suspend flights. NO CANCELLATIONS," a press release said.

The shutters of Moozhiyar and Kakki dams in the district were opened earlier. The opening of these dams will inundate the Kuttanad region, most parts of which are already under water. Most of the water bodies, including Pampa river, are on spate. The district collector has asked people living on the banks of the Pampa river to remain cautious.

The shutters of Kochu Pampa dam, part of Sabarigiri hydro-electric project in Pathanamthitta district, have been opened after the water level in the reservoir reached the maximum capacity as heavy rains continued to lash the district. The situation has worsened after three days of unabated rains.

A bridge on the Periyar river in the town was completely destroyed by the gushing waters from the reservoirs. The bus stand in the town is under water. The government has declared holiday for workers in the estates in the plantation sector in Idukki.

The Cheruthoni town has been submerged in water after two more shutters of the Idukki dam were opened in the morning leading to a discharge of 300,000 litres of water per second.

According to state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas. Over 5,500 people from Wayanad district, where a red alert had been sounded yesterday, have been shifted to relief camps, the sources said this morning. In Ernakulam, 3,456 people have been shifted to camps following floods after 4 shutters of the Idamalayar dam were opened on Thursday.

He said that the tourists trapped in Plumjudy and Pulimoottil resort in Lakshmi estate following landslides were safe.

The Kerala government has banned tourism in Idukki district in view of the continous rains in the district. State Tourism Minister Kadkampally Surendran said that the tourists holed up in the district will be shifted to safe places in the neighbouring districts.

P Karunakaran of the CPM and KC Venugopal of Congress have both brought up the issue of floods and rivers running in spate in Kerala in the Lok Sabha on Friday, and requested the Centre to direct military assistance in rescue work, and also sought a special financial package for the state of Kerala.

The Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd has approached the district collector and sought permission to lift the shutters of Cheruthoni dam. The KSEBL proposes to increase the release from the Cheruthoni dam upward of 600 cumecs. The board's move came with the water level about to touch the maximum level of 2403 ft. "The safety of dam needs to be taken care of. The shutter will be lifted further with the board getting permission from the revenue Department," a official with the KSEBL.

Considering the situation, Pinarayi has instructed to alert the people living in downstream areas with the help of announcements. He has also instructed to relocate people living in vulnerable areas.

"As the water-level in Idukki dam continues to rise, more water will have to be released. It has been estimated that at least 3 times the volume that is being released now will have to be spilled. This will raise the water-level in Periyar river and its subsidiaries."

3 times the volume of water that is being released now will have to be spilled, will raise water level in Periyar: CMO

The fifth shutter of the Idukki dam has been opened with water level continuing to rise in the reservoir in Kerala. The fourth shutter of the dam listed an hour ago. Earlier in the day, three shutters of the dam were raised by 100 cm with 425 cumecs water gushing out every second. An alert has been issued to people living in the downstream areas and on the banks of Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers.

The Indian Air Force has pressed into action with two helicopters for the search and rescue operation. One Mi-17IV and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) have been deployed from Sulur Air Force base. One AN-32 aircraft was flown to Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu to airlift the NDRF personnel for enhanced rescue operations and were brought to Kozhikode.

Army and Air Force swing into action for the disaster relief and rescue operation which is taking place in the disaster hit districts of Kerala.Total eight columns of Army personnel have been deployed in different parts of Kerala.

The outflow of water from Idukki dam is 4.25 lakh litres per second which is first time in history.

Currently 400 cumecs water per second is being released. This will be increased phase by phase to 700 cumecs. The release of water following the opening of the fifth shutter may submerge low-lying areas of Aluva and Kalamaserry areas in Ernakulam district. The water from Idukki reservoir will take at least six hours to reach Aluva. The current water level in the reservoir is 2,401.6 feet. The maximum capacity of the dam is 2,403 feet.

The evacuation of people living on the banks of Periyar river has begun following the opening of all the shutters of the Cheruthoni dam. While people in the down stream areas in Idukki have already been evacuated, those in Ernakulam district are being shifted to safer places.

All shutters of Cheruthoni Dam opened. Water level has been on the rise and the levels are hitting dangerous numbers. A 50-member NDRF team has arrived at Cheruthoni to lead the rescue operations.

The Army station located at Pangode in Trivandrum had already deployed one column of Army personnel under the supervision of a Captain rank officer in Idukki district. They are stationed at Adimali in Idukki and rescue operation is progressing.

In a press statement, the defence ministry said that the Army and Air Force swung into action for the disaster relief and rescue operation which is going on in the disaster hit districts In Kerala. Total eight columns of Army have been deployed in different parts of kerala.

One column of Army has been stationed in Aluva district to deal with any eventualities arising from a huge influx of water from Idukki dam following the opening of all the five shutters of the Cheruthoni dam. Currently 400,000 litres of water per second is being released into the Periyar river, on the banks of which the highly dense Aluva town sits.

After the fifth shutter was opened, it took only 35 minutes for the water from the reservoir to cross Cheruthoni town. The Cheruthoni bridge has been fully submerged. From Cheruthoni, water will reach Aluva through Kothamangalam and Kalady within six hours.

Around 13 villages in Aluva taluk are expected to be affected by the release of the water from Idukki Dam. The initial calculation puts the number of families likely to be affected at 4,000. But with more water being released through all five shutters, that number may also rise.

Reports from Delhi said that the minister had offered all assistance to the state. A delegation of MPs from Kerala had earlier met Rajnath Singh and appraised with the situation in the state.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be arriving in Kerala on Sunday to review the rescue and relief operations underway in Kerala following the heavy rain and opening of the shutters of 25 dams across the state.

The Indian Navy has put on alert its Southern Naval Command in view of the rising water level in the Periyar river and a possible inundation of parts of Wellingdon Island surrounded by the backwaters of Kochi.

Col Ajai Sharma, the Commandant of DSC Centre, who is overseeing relief and rescue operations, said five columns of Army has been deployed in the northern districts since last night. "The haphazard development along the streams has affected the natural flow of rivers, which is a challenge right now," he said. Small bridges have been constructed to evacuate stranded people in various places in Kozhikode and Wayanad areas, and rescue operations are currently underway. "The situation is under control," he said.

Five columns of Army has been deployed in the state's northern districts since last night, and small bridges have been constructed to evacuate people stranded at various places in Kozhikode and Wayanad.

In Palakkad district, the flood waters have started receding today as the quantity of water being released from Malampuzha dam has been reduced and Palakkad town is limping back to normal. However, many areas are still inundated and people were seen trying to save their belongings, PTI reported.

All the five shutters of the dam, one of the most picturesque dams in Kerala, have already been opened. People living on the banks of the river have also been evacuated. Additional forces of police have been deployed at Bhoothankettu to control people swarming the area to see the water flow through the dam.

A 32-member Indian Army engineering team has arrived at Bhoothankettu, the entry point of Periyar river in Ernakulam district, to help the local authorities in tackling floods to be triggered by the influx of water from Idukki district.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will take an aerial survey of the rescue and relief operations being carried out following the torrential rains and landslides in the central and northern districts of the state. Vijayan will be accompanied by state revenue minister E Chandrashakharan and chief secretary Tom Jose. Sources in the CMO said that Vijayan will review the operations in Idukki, Wayanad and Errnakulam districts.

The water level in the Idukki reservoir has not come down even after opening all the five shutters of the Cheruthoni dam. In fact the water level in the reservoir has gone up from 2401.6 feet in the morning to 2401.72 feet in the afternoon. This is due to the continuous rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam. If the rain continues at this rate, the sluice gates of the dam may have to be lifted further to release more water. Currently, 600 cumecs of water is being discharged through the five shutters.

An immediate succour from the grim situation in Idukki is not likely with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the district for the next three days. The department prediction showed that the present situation will continue at a few places in the district until Monday. The other central districts of Kottayam and Ernakulam will receive heavy rainfall till Saturday. Heavy rain will also lash the northern districts of Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayand till Saturday.

A control room has started functioning at Aluva to co-ordinate the activities of KWA to combat the rising levels and turbidity in the River Periyar. The control room will be functional 24x7 from 5 pm onwards today.

Narayanasamy also contacted officials in Mahe, an enclave of Puducherry in Kerala, and enquired about the situation there, the release said. PTI

"The situation in Kerala causes concern and Puducherry government is concerned about the development and all help and assistance would be extended by the territorial government," Narayanasamy told Vijayan.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today spoke over the phone to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan and assured him of all help to tackle the situation there in the wake of torrential rains.

With Aluva Mannapuram submerged under water, the district administration has brought strict restriction for performing Vavubali, an offering made to the deceased people, on Saturday. The rituals performed along the banks of Aluva river will be shifted to a higher platform. Over 30,000 people are expected to visit on Saturday morning to perform the rituals.

Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said that the state government is equipped to deal with the crisis. " The district administration is delivering a tremendous job by coordinating with all the departments. The government will provide all the assistance to the affected people. Free ration will be also provided to the families," Chandrasekharan said while conducting a review meeting in Aluva.

According to News18 Kerala , Cherthoni dam is expected to release more water. The news website reported that 800 lakh liters of water may be released between 5 am to 2 pm tomorrow.

Fifty four tourists, including 20 foreigners, who were stranded at a resort in Munnar have been safely rescued, according to NDTV. Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said all the tourists of Plum Judy resort at Pallivasal in Munnar were safe. The army was deployed to help clear the road leading to the Plum Judy resort in Pallivasal in Munnar. The tourists will now be shifted to Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) hotels.

Indian Navy's "Operation Madad" continued today with all resources available with Southern Naval Command. Two teams with Gemini boats commenced rescue operations at Kalpetta, Wayanad and at Panmarum where they evacuated 55 stranded people till 12:00 pm. Another team has been air-lifted by Seaking Helicopter to Kalpetta with all gears and 2 Electric Generators which was requested by Wayanad District Collector. Three additional diving teams have also been dispatched to Aluva.

The Idukki district collector said that on Thursday, at 12:30 pm one shutter was opened after 26 years. So 50,000 litres/sec water was sent out. "Last night even though we planned not to continue the process, we had to do that because the level of water was going up. Today morning by 7 am we increased shutter strength and the water was discharged to 120 cumecs by 12;30 we had to increase to 300 cumecs. Now we have ordered to increase it to 600 cumecs. Things are under control," he said.

With the water level in the Alappuzha district rising due to heavy rain, Alappuzha district Collector S Suhas has directed the revenue staff and other government officers to turn up at the office on Saturday. The district Collector issued the order to coordinate the rescue activity. However, a section of revenue staff expressed their discomfort to turn up at the office on the Second Saturday which is a holiday for the government offices.

According to India Today, the water level being released from Idukki dam has been increased to 7.25 lakh litres per second as the dam reservoir water level continues to rise due to torrential rainfall in catchment areas. The released water will flood the Periyar river and districts on its banks even further.

Two columns of Army have been requistioned for Aluva as the water from Idukki dam is expected to reach the region by 10-11 pm tonight, ANI reported. Aluva is flooded as water level of Periyar river has risen after five shutters of Idukki dam were opened today.

Here's where you can make your contribution. The proceeds will be used to fund the relief and rescue operations in the face of unprecedented natural calamity, and the contribution is 100% tax-free.

"Kerala is in the midst of an unprecedented rain havoc. Path to recovery can be long & arduous, but you can make a difference by joining the rebuilding efforts. CM Pinarayi Vijayan has urged all to contribute generously to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund," the chief ministers's office tweeted.

Two Mi-17 V5 helicopter and one Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) has been pressed into service for distribution of relief material and winching operations, in addition to five An-32 aircrafts which were used on Thursday to air-lift NDRF teams.

"The IAF responded immediately for assistance to the people affected by landslides and floods in Kerala and is extending all possible help through Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) missions," a tweet by the Indian Air Force said.

Five columns of Army were deployed in the state's seven severely-hit northern districts, out of Kerala's 14, to help evacuate people and to build makeshift bridges even as the Indian Navy's southern command was put on alert after water level in Periyar river rose amid concern that parts of Wellingdon Island in Kochi could be inundated. Almost all 40-odd rivers in the state are in spate, officials said.

Northern and central Kerala have been battered by heavy rains of the Southwest monsoon since August 8, which has left 29 people dead, including three today. Of them, 25 died in landslides and four in drowning. State officials said a total of 53,501 people are now housed in 439 relief camps across the state.

Indian Navy's "Operation Madad" continued today with all resources available with Southern Naval Command. Two teams with Gemini boats commenced rescue operations at Kalpetta, Wayanad and at Panmarum where they evacuated 55 stranded people till 12:00 pm. Another team has been air-lifted by Seaking Helicopter to Kalpetta with all gears and 2 Electric Generators which was requested by Wayanad District Collector. Three additional diving teams have also been dispatched to Aluva.

The Idukki district collector said that on Thursday, at 12:30 pm one shutter was opened after 26 years. So 50,000 litres/sec water was sent out. "Last night even though we planned not to continue the process, we had to do that because the level of water was going up. Today morning by 7 am we increased shutter strength and the water was discharged to 120 cumecs by 12;30 we had to increase to 300 cumecs. Now we have ordered to increase it to 600 cumecs. Things are under control," he said.

With the water level in the Alappuzha district rising due to heavy rain, Alappuzha district Collector S Suhas has directed the revenue staff and other government officers to turn up at the office on Saturday. The district Collector issued the order to coordinate the rescue activity. However, a section of revenue staff expressed their discomfort to turn up at the office on the Second Saturday which is a holiday for the government offices.

According to India Today, the water level being released from Idukki dam has been increased to 7.25 lakh litres per second as the dam reservoir water level continues to rise due to torrential rainfall in catchment areas. The released water will flood the Periyar river and districts on its banks even further.

Two columns of Army have been requistioned for Aluva as the water from Idukki dam is expected to reach the region by 10-11 pm tonight, ANI reported. Aluva is flooded as water level of Periyar river has risen after five shutters of Idukki dam were opened today.

Here's where you can make your contribution. The proceeds will be used to fund the relief and rescue operations in the face of unprecedented natural calamity, and the contribution is 100% tax-free.

"Kerala is in the midst of an unprecedented rain havoc. Path to recovery can be long & arduous, but you can make a difference by joining the rebuilding efforts. CM Pinarayi Vijayan has urged all to contribute generously to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund," the chief ministers's office tweeted.

Two Mi-17 V5 helicopter and one Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) has been pressed into service for distribution of relief material and winching operations, in addition to five An-32 aircrafts which were used on Thursday to air-lift NDRF teams.

"The IAF responded immediately for assistance to the people affected by landslides and floods in Kerala and is extending all possible help through Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) missions," a tweet by the Indian Air Force said.

Five columns of Army were deployed in the state's seven severely-hit northern districts, out of Kerala's 14, to help evacuate people and to build makeshift bridges even as the Indian Navy's southern command was put on alert after water level in Periyar river rose amid concern that parts of Wellingdon Island in Kochi could be inundated. Almost all 40-odd rivers in the state are in spate, officials said.

Northern and central Kerala have been battered by heavy rains of the Southwest monsoon since August 8, which has left 29 people dead, including three today. Of them, 25 died in landslides and four in drowning. State officials said a total of 53,501 people are now housed in 439 relief camps across the state.

Kerala Rains LIVE updates: Dam reservoirs and rivers overflowed, sections of highways collapsed and homes were swept away in severe flooding in more than half of Kerala, after days of incessant rains left nearly 54,000 people homeless and killed at least 29, officials said today.

According to India Today, the water level being released from Idukki dam has been increased to 7.25 lakh litres per second as the dam reservoir water level continues to rise due to torrential rainfall in catchment areas. The released water will flood the Periyar river and districts on its banks even further.

With water now making its way downstream, life for residents in low-lying districts may get more difficult. According to India Today, people in Ernakulam are facing a severe shortage of basic amenities, and especially drinking water. The report said that the state government authorities are distributing free ration to the people but people are forced to stock up on drinking water.

Indian Navy's "Operation Madad" continued today with all resources available with Southern Naval Command. Two teams with Gemini boats commenced rescue operations at Kalpetta, Wayanad and at Panmarum where they evacuated 55 stranded people till 12:00 pm. Another team has been air-lifted by Seaking Helicopter to Kalpetta with all gears and 2 Electric Generators which was requested by Wayanad District Collector. Three additional diving teams have also been dispatched to Aluva.

Sixty nine tourists, including 20 foreigners, who were stranded at a resort in Munnar have been safely rescued, according to NDTV. Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said all the tourists of Plum Judy resort at Pallivasal in Munnar were safe.

IMD predicted that central districts of Kottayam and Ernakulam will receive heavy rainfall till Saturday. Heavy rain will also lash the northern districts of Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayand till Saturday.

An immediate succour from the grim situation in Idukki is not likely with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the district for the next three days. The department prediction showed that the present situation will continue at a few places in the district until Monday.

The water level in the Idukki reservoir has not come down even after opening all the five shutters of the Cheruthoni dam. In fact the water level in the reservoir has gone up from 2401.6 feet in the morning to 2401.72 feet in the afternoon. This is due to the continuous rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam. If the rain continues at this rate, the sluice gates of the dam may have to be lifted further to release more water. Currently, 600 cumecs of water is being discharged through the five shutters.

A 32-member Indian Army engineering team has arrived at Bhoothankettu, the entry point of Periyar river in Ernakulam district, to help the local authorities in tackling floods to be triggered by the influx of water from Idukki district. Meanwhile, reports said that the death toll has risen to 28 in the past 48 hours in the state.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be arriving in Kerala on Sunday to review the rescue and relief operations underway in Kerala following the heavy rain and opening of the shutters of 25 dams across the state.

Around 13 villages in Aluva taluk are expected to be affected by the release of the water from Idukki Dam. The initial calculation puts the number of families likely to be affected at 4,000. But with more water being released through all five shutters, that number may also rise.

While people in the down stream areas in Idukki have already been evacuated, those in Ernakulam district are being shifted to safer places. Currently 400 cumecs water per second is being released. This will be increased phase by phase to 700 cumecs. The release of water following the opening of the fifth shutter may submerge low-lying areas of Aluva and Kalamaserry areas in Ernakulam district. The water from Idukki reservoir will take at least six hours to reach Aluva. The current water level in the reservoir is 2401.6 feet. The maximum capacity of the dam is 2403 feet.

The Kerala government has declared a half day holiday for government employees in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts on Friday afternoon in view of the torrential rain and floods. The factories and commercial establishments in Ernakulam have also been alerted. All shops around the Aluva Manappuram have been shut down.

The evacuation of people living on the banks of Periyar river has begun following the opening of all the shutters of the Cheruthoni dam. The fifth shutter of the Idukki dam has been opened with water level continuing to rise in the reservoir in Kerala. The outflow of water from Idukki dam is 4.25 lakh litres per second which is first time in history.

The fourth shutter of the dam listed an hour ago. Earlier in the day, three shutters of the dam were raised by 100 cm with 425 cumecs water gushing out every second. An alert has been issued to people living in the downstream areas and on the banks of Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reviewed the efforts taken to tackle the rain havoc, the chief minister's office tweeted on Friday. "The meeting expressed satisfaction at the flood relief efforts being carried out by Army, Navy, Air Force, NDRF & Coast Guard." "As the water-level in Idukki dam continues to rise, more water will have to be released. It has been estimated that at least 3 times the volume that is being released now will have to be spilled. This will raise the water-level in Periyar river and its subsidiaries."

Indian Navy's Seaking 42C chopper conduct relief operation in flooded areas of Kerala. Actor Mohanlal tweeted a video of the territorial Army conducting rescue operations and said, "A quick reaction rescue team of 122 TA Battalion of Kannur has been carrying massive rescue operations. The undaunted selfless service of these soldiers of Kerala is really commendable and we are highly proud of our brave hearts - "The Kannur Terriers."

One more shutter of the Idukki dam has been opened. The authorities decided to open the fourth shutter as there was no reduction in the water in the reservoir even after raising the height of the three sluice gates in the morning. The current water level in the dam is 2401.5 feet. The total capacity of the reservoir is 2403 feet. Reports said that the water flow to the reservoir was continuing following the continuing heavy rains in the catchment areas of the dam.

The Cheruthoni town has been submerged in water after two more shutters of the Idukki dam were opened in the morning leading to a discharge of 300,000 litres of water per second. A bridge on the Periyar river in the town was completely destroyed by the gushing waters from the reservoirs. The bus stand in the town is under water. The government has declared holiday for workers in the estates in the plantation sector in Idukki.

Rajnath Singh tried to reach chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan but failed. After several attempts, Union home minister told reporters that the Centre will extend all kinds of assistance that Kerala might need.

Cochin International Airport released a statement and said that they have reviewed the situation and operational area of the airport has not been affected. "There is no need to suspend flights. NO CANCELLATIONS," a press release said.

The water levels have decreased in Idukki. Water from Idukki will take 8 hours to reach densely populated Aluva. Water levels have gone up in and around Periyar river. According to local sources, 62 relief camps have been opened in affected areas. Around 3,000 to 3,500 members from 182 families have been shifted to these camps.

The sluice gates of three shutters of Idukki dam have been further raised to release more water from the reservoir. This has been done to avoid opening of more shutters. Currently three of the five shutters are open. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cancelled all his official programmes for the next three days to focus on the flood rescue and relief operations. He has appealed to the district authorities in affected areas to inform people about the risks and precautionary measures to be taken to face the situation.

The shutters of Cheruthoni dam will once again be lifted at around 11.30 am to release 300 cumecs of water i.e 3 lakh litres per second. "This is expected to further deteriorate the situation. It is too early to say which are the areas which will be flooded. But Aluva, Kothamangalam, Angamally, Perumbavoor are areas which could be affected. Though the Kochi airport was closed for some time yesterday, the situation is not as bad as it was in 2013 when the airport was shut, says Saju Paul, former MLA. Kerala.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan is addressing an emergency review meeting with various government officials. District authorities enable mic announcements through affected districts to advise people to move to safe places. Many such efforts have been launched in view of the possibility of opening the other shutters.

Very high alert has been issued in Kerala even as officials started evacuation in the town of Cheruthoni. Following the opening of two more shutters of Idduki dam, district authorities have started evacuating 140 families in the Cheruthoni town. An Asianet TV channel report said that 40 families will be first shifted to relief camps. Though five relief camps have been readied, most people preferred to go to their relatives’ houses.

All schools and colleges, including professional colleges in Kothamangalam, Kunnathunad, Aluva and Paravur taluks of Ernakulam district in Kerala have been given a holiday considering the rain situation. Schools in Kalamassery municipality, Cheranallur, Kadamakudy panchayats have also been given holiday, reports have said.

As heavy rains continued to lash various parts of Kerala, two more shutters of the Cheruthoni Dam, part of the Idukki Reservoir, were opened today as the water level touched 2,401 feet. For the first time in the last 26 years, a shutter of the Cheruthoni Dam was opened yesterday and two more were opened at 7 am.

The full reservoir level is 2,403 feet and storage capacity is 69,268 Mcft and storage percentage is 97.61 percent. The South-west monsoon has been vigorous over Kerala resulting in heavy rains in various parts of the state since the past two days.

So far 26 people have been killed, including 11 in high range Idukki in landslips yesterday as rain continued to pound the southern state. Idukki has received 129.80 mm rainfall. With water levels rising in various dams and reaching almost maximum capacity, shutters of at least 22 reservoirs in the state have been opened to drain out excess water.

According to state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas.

Over 5,500 people from Wayanad district, where a red alert had been sounded yesterday, have been shifted to relief camps, the sources said this morning. In Ernakulam, 3,456 people have been shifted to camps following floods after 4 shutters of the Idamalayar dam were opened yesterday.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin at 8 am, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely to affect Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts.

The government has asked tourists not to go to high range areas and dam sites.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had described the flood situation in the state as "very grim" and it was for the first time in the history of the state that 24 dams had been opened at a time following the water level reaching maximum capacity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Kerala Chief Minister yesterday in the wake of heavy rains and floods in the state, and offered all possible assistance to those affected.

"Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and discussed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of the state. Offered all possible assistance to those affected. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kerala in the wake of this calamity," the PM said in a tweet.

The services of Army, Navy and Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been sought in the flood-hit areas.