A red alert is currently active at the Kakkayam dam in the Kozhikode district, following substantial rainfall over the past two days that has led water levels to near-maximum capacity.
This dam is an integral component of the Kuttiyadi Hydroelectric Project and is experiencing a significant inflow of water. To manage the rising levels, engineers opened two spillway gates on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Presently, these gates are open by 0.25 feet to safely discharge water downstream, according to an official announcement.
As of 7 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, official measurements indicate that the water level has reached 757.67 metres (2,485.8 feet), just below its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 758.05 metres. Current total storage stands at 33.0672 million cubic metres, which is approximately 97.31 percent of the reservoir’s overall capacity.
Severe Inflow Data
Recent data underscores the severity of the situation, revealing that the reservoir received 5.9241 million cubic metres of incoming water in the past 24 hours alone. In an effort to manage this, 0.4793 million cubic metres has been released through the spillways, while 3.3123 million cubic metres have been utilized for power generation, producing 4.6831 million units of electricity.
When compared to the same period last year, these figures mark a significant increase. Last year, the water level was recorded at 756.21 metres, with storage at 86.55 percent or 29.4097 million cubic metres.
Impact of Rainfall
This rapid rise in water levels is attributed to intense weather conditions in the catchment area. The Kakkayam region alone recorded 104 millimetres of rainfall in the last 24 hours, contributing to a total of 2,990 millimetres since June 1.
In response to the influx of water, officials confirmed that the control shaft gate connecting the Banasura dam in Wayanad has been fully closed since 11:15 am on June 29 to prevent any additional water from entering the system.
Monitoring and Precautions
District authorities are actively monitoring the situation, and residents living along the downstream riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant as spillway discharges continue. The community is urged to stay informed about potential developments in this critical situation.
