Flood-prevention measures stepped up along Chalakudy river as rain intensifies

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The Thrissur district administration has intensified precautionary measures to regulate water levels in the Chalakudy river and prevent flooding in the low-lying areas as rains gain strength.

District Collector Shikha Surendran has issued a series of directives focussing on the close monitoring of the Sholayar and Peringalkuthu dams. The current water level at the Peringalkuthu dam is 417.35 metres.

Officials noted that Peringalkuthu, being a relatively small dam, could fill up quickly, and any excess discharge could lead to a sudden rise in water level in the Chalakudy river, increasing the risk of waterlogging in nearby areas.

At a District Disaster Management Authority meeting attended by Minister O.J. Janish and MLAs, it was decided to maintain the Peringalkuthu dam at its crest level of 419.40 metres. Accordingly, dam shutters were kept open from Wednesday to prevent sudden surges.

Authorities have also been directed to closely monitor the inflow into the Sholayar dam and other reservoirs. Any decision to open the Sholayar dam will require prior approval, and officials should report immediately if water levels deviate from the prescribed limits.

The Collector has instructed that advance warnings be issued to stakeholders and the public in case water needs to be released from the dams, along with details of discharge volumes.

With the India Meteorological Department issuing an orange alert for Thrissur on Thursday (June 11, 2026), the district administration has also ordered the implementation of all precautionary measures as per the State Disaster Management Authority’s monsoon preparedness guidelines (Orange Book 2025).

The administration said the coordinated efforts aimed at minimising flood risk and ensuring public safety as heavy rainfall continued across the district.