Kochi: The people living on both sides of Periyar in Aluva and Paravoor taluks in Ernakulam district bore the brunt following the release of water from Idukki and Idamalayar dams on Thursday as the district administration shifted over 1,000 people belonging to 334 families to relief shelters.
The number of relief camps is likely to be increased from the existing 34 as more areas are expected to be affected with authorities planning to continue the release of water from Idukki dam throughout the night. The decision to open more shutters of the dam on Friday morning also worried the people and the officials.
The water level in Periyar rose by nearly two metres on Thursday evening, officials said. The drinking water supply in Kochi corporation areas is likely to be partially hit with two transformers of Kerala Water Authority’s pumping station at Aluva hit by the rising waters in Periyar. The intake well of the KWA, however, remained intact.
The only comfort for the district administration was that a dry spell prevailed in most parts of the city and surrounding areas on Thursday giving an opportunity to the officials to fully focus on the flood-hit areas.
