As the water level in the Karapuzha dam in Wayanad district in Kerala has reached 757.10 MSL, the reservoir’s spillway shutters will be opened on Saturday (May 23).

District Collector D.R. Meghasree, who is also the chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), has granted permission to raise the shutters as part of monsoon preparedness measures.

Accordingly, three shutters of the dam will be raised by five centimetres each to release up to 1.557 cubic metres of water per second from 11 a.m. People living in the surrounding areas of the dam and in downstream regions through which the water flows have been advised to remain vigilant.

Officials said the water level in the dam was being regulated in view of climate variations in the district, the extremely heavy rainfall received in previous years, and the likelihood of the monsoon beginning in the first week of June, in order to avoid damage and losses. The District Collector has permitted the shutters to be opened daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

People should not gather near the dam premises or along the banks of rivers through which the water flows when the shutters are opened. They should not attempt to enter or cross the river. Fishing will also not be permitted after the dam is opened. The police have been instructed to take stringent action against those violating the instructions.

Authorities will issue necessary directions from time to time for areas surrounding the dam and regions affected by the released water. The public is advised to strictly follow these instructions.

Meanwhile, the district administration has stepped up pre-monsoon preparedness measures. A meeting of district-level officials reviewed the activities carried out by various departments. Officials said the respective departments had prepared lists of areas requiring special attention and families that might need to be evacuated in emergencies. District-level officials of various departments were instructed to intensify preparedness activities and remain vigilant in the coming days. Another meeting of officials, to be chaired by the sub collector, will be held on Saturday (May 23) to review the progress of monsoon preparedness measures.

The DDMA, on the other hand, has conducted training for members of volunteer organisations to equip them as rescuers in disaster situations. The training covered various areas, including CPR and basic life support, psychosocial support, practical training by the Fire and Rescue Services, search and rescue operations, and basic disaster management. A total of 130 volunteers representing 28 organisations participated.