Flooding in Kerala has intensified after water at the the strategically important Idukki dam was opened for the first time in 26 years. The dam gates had to be opened due to the water level at the dam rising at an alarming pace.
Meanwhile, the floodgates of at least 24 reservoirs have been opened to drain out excess water.
In response to the flood, all educational institutions including professional colleges in Kothamangalam, Kunnathunad, Aluva and Paravur taluks of Ernakulam district closed. More than 10,000 people have been shifted to 157 relief camps across the state in the last two days.