Thu Jun 26 02:34:23 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Heavy Rains Force Dam Shutters Open in Kannur, India; Authorities Issue Alerts**
**Kannur, India – June 26, 2025** – Residents along the Valapattanam river in Kannur district, Kerala, are on high alert as officials continue to adjust the shutters of the Pazhassi barrage due to persistent heavy rainfall. Thirteen of the sixteen spillway shutters are currently open, with water levels in the dam rising unexpectedly following a suspected landslide in the nearby Karnataka forest area.
The Executive Engineer of the Pazhassi Irrigation Department reported that water levels in Irrity and Kolikadavu, part of the Pazhassi reservoir, surged by 1.58 meters within just three hours yesterday, forcing further adjustments to the shutters and increased water discharge downstream.
The overflowing Thillankeri stream obstructed flow to the Vallapattanam river near Kottaram, causing flooding of adjacent roads and farmlands. In Ayyankunnu village, a canal from the Barapol hydroelectric project also overflowed, flooding four houses and displacing families. While no injuries were reported, affected families have been relocated to relatives’ homes or nearby safe houses.
In Chavassery, the Kolari Mannur river has also seen significant water level increases, submerging agricultural fields. The Kottaram-Perithil road is currently inundated, disrupting local traffic, and water reached the courtyard of an Anganwadi in Padiyur.
District Collector Arun K Vijayan has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Irrity taluk today, June 26, due to the ongoing rains, except for scheduled examinations. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and heed all warnings.
First Piper 