All 5 Idukki Dam gates opened for 1st time in history as Kerala battles unending rains

The Idukki resorvior can hold water up to 2403 feet. However, unceasing rain over the catchment area has led to authorities opening the reservoir's gates one by one.

Up until this morning, three gates of the Idukki Dam were open

All the five gates of the Idukki (Cherurhoni) Dam in Kerala have been opened, underlining just how serious the conditions are in the coastal state that has witnessed incessant heavy rain and flooding.

This is the first time in history that all the gates of the dam have been opened. The dam is currently sending approximately 6 lakh litres of water flooding down the Periyar river every second.

The Idukki reservoir is 2403 feet deep. However, unceasing rain over the catchment area has led to authorities opening the reservoir's gates one by one.

The Idukki Dam's first gate was opened on August 9, marking the first time the reservoir's gates were opened in 26 years.

Two more gates were opened this morning and the fourth and fifth gates were opened shortly after noon in quick succession. Residents of the Cherurhoni town, which is located nearby, have already been evacuated.

At noon, the water level at the Idukki reservoir was 2,401.5 feet, just short of its maximum capacity.

All of the dam's gates being opened will heighten concerns of extreme flooding along the banks of the rapidly swelling Periyar. The Idukki Dam system is constructed across the Periyar. Here's a satellite view of where the dam is situated:

The extreme rain and flooding has led to at least 26 deaths in Kerala and the Army and Air Force, along with the National Disaster Relief Force, have been deployed for rescue operations.

SEE | The moment Idukki Dam gates were opened after 26-year gap in Kerala

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