Dam in India's Kerala State Opened as Heavy Rain Raises Reservoir Levels
Floodgates of the Cheruthoni Dam in Kerala’s Idukki district in India were opened on October 19 after water levels in its reservoir reached the red alert threshold.
According to The Hindu, 64 families were moved further downstream in preparations for the dam opening as the water’s height surpassed 2,398 feet.
The dam was last opened in 2018, resulting in significant damage to the surrounding area as the gushing waters surged through the land, local reports said.
At least 27 people were killed by the extreme weather in the state of Kerala by October 19, according to local news reports. The majority of the deaths were in the Kottayam district.
Heavy rain was expected to continue in the region until Saturday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
The Kerala State Electricity Board posted this footage showing the moment floodgates were opened. Credit: Kerala State Electricity Board via Storyful
