Search operations are underway for a man swept away in the Kanjirappuzha river, in Kannur, Kerala, on August 2, 2026. Photo: PTI
Kerala rain crisis: 15 dead as key reservoirs hit high-alert levels
Over 11,000 residents moved to relief camps and rescue teams deployed as major dams reach up to 94 per cent capacity amid relentless downpours
Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday (August 2) said the situation in Kerala following the continuing heavy rain was under control, even as the state reported 15 rain-related deaths and seven people missing.
There are 316 relief camps currently sheltering 11,018 people. The latest Irrigation Department data, meanwhile, shows elevated water levels in several reservoirs, with Malankara under red alert, and Neyyar and Mangalam under orange alert.
Speaking after an emergency meeting to review the situation, Satheesan said two helicopters had arrived for rescue operations, while NDRF, police and fire and rescue personnel were deployed in affected areas. Necessary food supplies were being distributed at the relief camps, he said.
CM allays fears
The Chief Minister said preparations for the rain situation had begun on July 30 and that a preliminary assessment indicated damage to around 165 hectares of agricultural land.
Satheesan also sought to allay concerns over the state's dams, saying water levels in the major reservoirs remained below critical levels. He dismissed reports that water was being released from dams in a manner that posed a threat, calling them baseless and warning that action would be taken against those spreading misinformation.
Also read: Monsoon fury grips India: 15 dead in Kerala, Karnataka grapples with flooding, landslides
However, the latest reservoir status issued by the Irrigation Department at 11 am on August 3 shows heightened alert conditions at several reservoirs, even though the situation remains under monitoring.
Malankara under red alert
Malankara reservoir in Idukki is under red alert, with live storage at 34.20 million cubic metres, or 91 per cent of its storage capacity. The reported outflow is 156.46 cubic metres per second.
Neyyar reservoir in Thiruvananthapuram, which is under orange alert, has reached 94 per cent of its live storage capacity, with 91.79 million cubic metres of water and an outflow of 88.60 cubic metres per second.
Mangalam reservoir in Palakkad, also under orange alert, has storage at 87 per cent of capacity, with 21.11 million cubic metres of water and an outflow of 32.19 cubic metres per second. Eleven other reservoirs are under yellow alert, including Kallada in Kollam, Bhoothathankettu in Ernakulam, Peechi in Thrissur, Siruvani, Kanjirappuzha, Malampuzha, Pothundi and Moolathara in Palakkad, Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode, Karapuzha in Wayanad and Pazhassi in Kannur.
Among these, Kanjirappuzha is at 88 per cent of live storage capacity, while Kuttiyadi is at 60 per cent, Karapuzha 43 per cent, Pothundi 42 per cent, Siruvani 41 per cent, Peechi 38 per cent, Malampuzha 36 per cent, Kallada 48 per cent and Pazhassi 3 per cent.
The Irrigation Department's yellow classification covers reservoirs where controlled quantities of water are being released for irrigation or as a precautionary measure.
Peppara, Aruvikkara shutters to be raised
With inflows increasing into Peppara Dam, shutters 1 to 4 will be raised by 20 cm each at 2.30 pm today, taking the total opening in the dam to 80 cm.
The increased discharge is expected to raise the water level at Aruvikkara Dam. Consequently, shutters 2 to 5 at Aruvikkara Dam will be raised by another 20 cm each at around 5.30 pm, increasing the total opening from the current 120 cm to 200 cm.
Thiruvananthapuram district collector Anu Kumari has urged people living near the dams and along both banks of the river to remain vigilant.
Rain warnings across Kerala
Rain is expected to continue across Kerala today, with orange alerts in 10 districts and yellow alerts in four districts. Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are also possible in isolated areas today and tomorrow.
Educational institutions in 12 districts — Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha — have been given a holiday today.
Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to high-range areas, particularly Idukki and Wayanad, where heavy rain and the possibility of landslides remain a concern. Travel to such areas should be undertaken only if essential.
People living near reservoirs and riverbanks have been asked to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities. The public has also been urged to stay away from swollen rivers, waterlogged areas and reservoir discharge channels as the rain continues.
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