Heavy Rain Triggers Water Level Surge in Mullaperiyar Dam
The Mullaperiyar reservoir witnessed a sharp rise in water levels on Saturday, surging by six feet within just 48 hours. Continuous rainfall in the Western Ghats and the dam’s catchment areas pushed the level from 132 feet to 138 feet, prompting authorities to issue the first flood warning to Kerala’s Idukki district.
Officials revealed that the inflow, which was a mere 2,748 cusecs two days earlier, shot up to 40,733 cusecs by 11 p.m. on October 17 (Friday). The situation is being closely monitored by both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, given the history of water disputes and flood vulnerability in the Idukki basin.
Tamil Nadu Issues Flood Alert to Kerala
Following protocol, the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) alerted the Kerala authorities to prepare for potential flooding in downstream regions. The WRD stated that the dam’s water level is meant to be maintained at 137.75 feet, but due to the heavy inflow, controlled discharge was necessary to prevent overflow.
At 8 a.m. on October 18, around 5,000 cusecs of water were released. By 1 p.m., the discharge rate increased to 7,163 cusecs. Officials also confirmed that 1,400 cusecs were discharged on the Tamil Nadu side.
Precautionary Measures in Idukki District
As a precaution, the Kerala government began relocating people from low-lying and flood-prone regions. The affected areas include Vallakadavu, Sappathu, Vandiperiyar, Manjumalai, Upputhurai, and Yelapaarai.
Evacuation and Relief Efforts
According to the Idukki District Administration, around 45 families were shifted to a nearby relief camp. The administration has also kept disaster management teams and local police units on standby to assist in further evacuations if the situation worsens.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) office in Thekkadi continues to monitor rainfall data, reservoir inflows, and discharge levels in real time to ensure coordinated responses between both states.
Northeast Monsoon Intensifies Across Southern Tamil Nadu
Officials noted that the sudden spike in inflow coincides with the activation of the northeast monsoon. A low-pressure system developed in the Bay of Bengal earlier this week, leading to widespread rainfall across southern Tamil Nadu.
Weather Forecast and Preparedness
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall for multiple districts, including Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, and Idukki.
In anticipation, Theni District Collector Ranjith Singh chaired a review meeting earlier this week to assess disaster preparedness, checking the availability of rescue equipment, relief materials, and communication systems in vulnerable regions.
Rain Havoc in Theni and Cumbum
Several areas in Theni district, particularly Cumbum, Gudalur, and Surulipatti, experienced heavy downpours on the night of October 17, leading to severe flooding and property damage.
Urban Flooding Due to Encroachments
Between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., torrential rain lashed Cumbum town, with water overflowing onto main roads due to blocked and encroached stormwater channels. The Thottipaalam water level rose sharply, causing a bund breach near the Old Police Outpost.
Areas Affected
Several neighborhoods including Cumbum Mettu, Odaikarai Theru, Angurpalayam Salai, Nandagopal Sami Nagar, TTV Dhinakaran Nagar, Park Road, and Kamakoundanpatti were heavily inundated.
Loss of Livestock and Crops
At least 40 goats belonging to a local farmer, Lakshmanan, were swept away. Paddy fields and banana plantations in Manjalkuppam, ready for harvest, were submerged under floodwaters. The Cumbum–Surulipatti Road was temporarily closed to vehicular traffic.
Authorities Step Up Response
Rescue Operations and Monitoring
Revenue and police officials, led by Uthamapalayam RDO Syed Mohammed, were deployed to monitor the situation and coordinate evacuation efforts. Emergency services worked through the night to restore accessibility and ensure public safety.
Political Leaders Review the Situation
Theni MP Thanga Tamil Selvan visited several affected areas and assured the farmers that the state government would provide all necessary assistance. He confirmed that over 10 houses had collapsed and Cumbum town had suffered the maximum damage due to the rainfall.
“Immediate relief will be provided to all affected families, and steps are being taken to strengthen the bunds and repair damaged roads,” the MP said.
IMD and Disaster Management on High Alert
With the monsoon gaining momentum, the IMD and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) have issued an alert for both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Expected Heavy Rainfall
Forecasts suggest moderate to heavy rainfall over the next three days in the Western Ghats region, which may further raise the water level in the Mullaperiyar reservoir.
The authorities are keeping a close watch on inflow patterns, as continued rainfall in the catchment area could force the release of more water, increasing the risk of flash floods downstream in Idukki.
Historical Context: Mullaperiyar’s Sensitive Legacy
The Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895, has long been a topic of dispute and cooperation between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The dam, situated on the Periyar River in Kerala’s Idukki district, is operated by Tamil Nadu under a long-standing agreement.
A Balancing Act
While Tamil Nadu relies on the reservoir for irrigation and drinking water, Kerala has repeatedly raised safety concerns, especially during heavy rainfall. The dam’s structural strength and flood management protocols have been at the center of multiple legal and political discussions.
Officials Urge Caution, But No Panic
Despite the rising water levels, officials from both states have assured residents that there is no immediate threat of major flooding.
Controlled Discharge Underway
Water release from the reservoir is being conducted in a controlled and phased manner to minimize downstream impact. Authorities have also opened relief camps, kept medical teams on standby, and reinforced bund structures near sensitive areas.
Residents Advised to Stay Alert
Local residents have been advised to:
- Avoid traveling through flooded roads.
- Move livestock and valuables to higher ground.
- Follow official evacuation orders without delay.
Emergency helplines have also been activated to provide real-time updates and assistance.
Relief and Rehabilitation Plans
Compensation for Affected Families
The Theni District Administration has initiated surveys to assess the extent of crop and property damage. Compensation packages for affected farmers and households will be finalized after review.
Infrastructure Repairs
Public Works Department teams have started temporary repairs on breached bunds and damaged roads, particularly in Cumbum and nearby rural belts. Permanent reconstruction work will commence once the rains subside.
Regional Impact Beyond Idukki
The rise in Mullaperiyar’s water level has implications beyond Idukki. Downstream regions, including Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam, could face higher river flows if discharge continues.
Kerala’s Water Resources Minister has directed district officials to remain vigilant and coordinate with Tamil Nadu for real-time updates to prevent any miscommunication during emergency releases.
Community Response and Resilience
Local residents in Cumbum and nearby villages have once again shown resilience, working together to divert excess water and safeguard vulnerable homes. Community volunteers, supported by local youth groups, have assisted in clearing debris, restoring access roads, and supporting relocated families.
NGOs and local religious institutions have also stepped forward to distribute food, blankets, and drinking water to those in relief camps.
Conclusion: Vigilance Is Key As Monsoon Intensifies
The Mullaperiyar reservoir’s six-foot water level rise serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in managing inter-state water resources amid unpredictable weather. Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala are coordinating effectively to prevent major flooding, but vigilance remains critical as the northeast monsoon strengthens.
With continued rainfall predicted, authorities have reassured residents that all precautionary measures are in place, and real-time monitoring will continue until water levels stabilize. For now, the focus remains on safety, preparedness, and cooperation between the two neighboring states.