Kochi: Water will be released from Mullaperiyar dam on Tuesday due to heavy rains in Tamil Nadu following which the inflow into the reservoir has increased considerably, media reports said.
Authorities in Kerala have issued warning to those living on either side of Periyar river.
The water released from Mullaperiyar dam will reach Idukki dam after flowing through different panchayats for about one hour.
Meanwhile, one person died in Thoothukudi in torrential rains that flooded southern parts of Tamil Nadu affecting the lives of scores of people.
Situation is grim in Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari districts.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in the state. The Thoothukudi bypass road is inundated stranding countless vehicles on the highway.
Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi, recorded 93.2 cm of rainfall during the last 24 hours. The state has sought help from the Indian Air Force for help in relief operations.
A public holiday has been declared in the affected districts. The district collectors have been assigned to manage swelling dams. Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed ministers and bureaucrats to coordinate relief and rescue operations.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are engaged in relief operations. As many as 7,500 people were evacuated and housed in 84 relief camps. Southern Railways have suspended services in Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur section due to washing away of ‘the ballast’.