(Image source from: Latestly.com)

Kerala government has proclaimed an Orange alert along the banks of the Periyar, with the water levels in the Idukki dam rising to 2395 feet on Monday night.

Rescue and relief teams have been deployed in both Idukki and Ernakulam districts to take over in the event of the dam's shutters being opened.

On Monday morning the water levels in the dam were at 2394.64 feet. Following steady rainfall, the water levels rose to 2395 prompting the government to issue the Orange alert. The alert, also known as Code Orange, is the second level of the three alerts issued by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to warn those living close to the river.

Further, when the levels reach 2399 ft, a red alert will be issued. The shutters of the dam will be opened only after issuing the alert and required a warning.

By Sowmya Sangam