Chennai, October 21 (Udaipur Kiran): Continuous heavy rainfall over the Western Ghats under the influence of the northeast monsoon has led to a rapid rise in the water level of the Vaigai Dam in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district. With the level reaching 69 feet, the Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a third-level flood warning.
Officials said that due to incessant rainfall in the Varushanad Hills, a large inflow of water has been entering the dam from catchment areas for the past three days. To manage the increasing inflow, excess water is being released through the dam’s regular sluice gates.
Residents living along the Vaigai River and in low-lying areas have been advised to stay alert and move to safer locations if required.
According to PWD engineers, the full reservoir level (FRL) of the Vaigai Dam is 71 feet, and the water inflow continues to rise due to heavy rains in the upper catchment region. Originating from the Varushanad mountain ranges, the Vaigai River gathers strength from several tributaries flowing through Valipparai, Thummakkundu, Murukkodai, Varushanad, Kadamalakkundu, Duraichamipuram, Kandamanur, Ammachiapuram, and Kunnur before reaching the reservoir.
A senior official from the Water Resources Department said, “The rise in water level is being closely monitored round the clock by regional engineers. All necessary safety measures are in place to ensure the safety of people living downstream.”
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai stated that widespread rainfall is expected to continue over southern Tamil Nadu due to the active northeast monsoon system. Districts such as Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, and Virudhunagar have been witnessing heavy rainfall since Sunday, with intense showers over the hilly regions causing a surge in river and reservoir levels.
Disaster management teams have been placed on alert in the low-lying areas of Madurai and Sivaganga, while district administrations have directed the Revenue and Police departments to closely monitor river flow and make public announcements in vulnerable zones.
With the monsoon expected to remain active through the week, authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and avoid going near riverbanks or overflowing canals.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
