Water level in Kannur’s Pazhassi dam rises sharply, residents asked to remain alert

With heavy rainfall continuing across Kannur and its catchment areas, authorities have urged residents living on the banks of the Valapattanam river to stay alert as the shutters of the Pazhassi barrage may be adjusted at short notice.

The Executive Engineer of the Pazhassi Irrigation department said that the water level in the dam rose unexpectedly on Wednesday (June 25), possibly due to a suspected landslide in the Karnataka forest area. Thirteen of the 16 spillway shutters are currently open, with the water level recorded at 24.05 metres.

The situation escalated after water levels in Irrity and Kolikadavu, part of the Pazhassi reservoir, rose by 1.58 meters within three hours. This forced officials to raise the shutters further, causing increased water discharge downstream.

Flow from the Thillankeri strea via Kottaram to the Vallapattanam river was obstructed, leading to water overflowing near the Kottaram bridge and flooding adjacent roads and farmlands.

Officials had earlier warned that dam shutters may be operated without prior notice during the monsoon. The current alert comes as a precautionary measure.

In Ayyankunnu village, a canal constructed under the Barapol hydoelectric project at Palattum Kadavil overflowed, flooding four houses. While no injuries were reported, three families were relocated to relatives homes and one family to a nearby house for safety.

In Chavassery, the water level in the Kolari Mannur river rose significantly after the dam shutters were lifted, submerging agricultural fields on the riverbank. However, officials confirmed that water has not entered any houses so far.

In Kottaram-Perithil road was inundated, disrupting local traffic. In Padiyur, water from the Pedayangode river reached the courtyard of the local Anganwadi, though it did not enter the building or nearby houses. No roads were affected and the situation remains under control.

Holiday declared for educational institutions in Irrity taluk

Meanwhile, District Collector Arun K Vijayan has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Irrity taluk on Thursday, June 26, due to persistent rains. The order includes schools, anaganwadis, tution centres, religious institutions and professional colleges. However, scheduled examinations will proceed as planned.