In Kerala, shutters of several dams were raised yesterday following heavy rainfall in catchment areas over the last several days. The State, however, got some respite as rains subsided in many parts. The shutters of Mullaperiyar Dam were raised by 30 centimeters each by last evening as the water-level in the 126-old reservoir touched over 137 feet.<br />''<br />''Authorities have warned the people residing on the banks of Periyar river to remain cautious. Four shutters of the Malampuzha Dam were also raised. Educational institutions in Alappuzha district will remain closed today. In Pathanamthitta distrt, a holiday has been declared for all educational institutions where relief camps are operational. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued Orange alert in eight districts in northern Kerala today.<br />''<br />''<br />