Seethathodu (Pathanamthitta): Heavy rain wreaked havoc in the area surrounding the Moozhiyar Dam, the reservoir of the Kakkad hydroelectric project, on Friday evening.
Three shutters of the dam were raised by 30 cm each at 7 pm after the water level rose dramatically. However, two of the shutters were closed later.
As per the latest reports, heavy rain continues to lash the area and only shutter number two remains open by 50 cm.
It is suspected that the water level increased due to a landslide that occurred in the interiors of the Sayipinkuzhi forest in Moozhiyar. The flow of water from the forest continues to be strong.
With the dam being opened, water levels in Kakkad and Pampa rivers have risen.
The district administration has instructed those living on the banks of the Kakkad River to exercise caution as there is a possibility of the water level going up in places like Angamoozhy and Seethathodu.
Landslides have also been reported near Kakkithu and Anathodu on the way to Gavi. Owing to the threat of landslides, access to Gavi has been temporarily suspended, according to the Goodrical Range Office.