Thodupuzha: All shutters of the Cheruthoni dam, part of the Idukki reservoir, were closed on Friday after the water level dipped to 2,391 feet.

The shutters were opened on August 9 for the first time in 26 years after heavy downpour in the catchment area caused a rapid rise in water level, which had crossed 2,402 feet. Reports had earlier said the shutters would be kept open till the northeast monsoon that begins around mid-October.

Kerala received unprecedented rainfall during August, filling up all dams in the state. The Cheruthoni dam shutters were opened after the water level was about to touch the full reservoir level of 2,403 feet.

After Cheruthoni dam, even the Mullaperiyar dam shutters were opened, prompting authorities to evacuate people living along Periyar River banks.

The opening of these dams coupled with torrential rains caused massive floods in Kerala, leaving hundreds dead.

Kerala to assess impact of floods on biodiversity

The Kerala government has decided to conduct an assessment of biodiversity loss at the grassroots level in the massive floods.

Chief Minister Pinayari Vijayan's office in a Facebook post said data collection for assessing biodiversity loss and impact on biodiversity and ecosystems will be completed within one month.

Kerala State Biodoversity Board would conduct the study in all the severely affected districts with the support of Biodiversity Management Committees at local bodies.

The findings would then be utilised to prepare a comprehensive plan for sustainable development with the help of national and international funding agencies, the chief minister said in the post.

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