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Chennai, Oct 21 (IANS) Due to continuous heavy rains lashing the Western Ghats under the influence of north-east monsoon, the water level in Vaigai dam in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district has risen sharply to 69 feet, prompting the Public Works Department (PWD) to issue a level three flood alert.
Officials said the dam has been receiving abundant water from the catchment areas for the last three days as incessant rains continue in the Varushnad hills. To manage the increasing flow, surplus water is being released from the dam through regulated sluices.
Residents living on the banks and low-lying areas of the Vaigai River have been advised to remain alert and move to safe places if necessary. According to PWD engineers, the full reservoir level of the dam is 71 feet, and the current flow is continuously increasing due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area.
The Vaigai, which originates from the Varushanad mountain ranges, gathers strength from several small streams flowing from Vallipparai, Thummakkundu, Murukkodai, Varushanad, Kadamalakkundu, Durachamipuram, Kandamanoor, Ammachiapuram and Coonoor before reaching the reservoir.
“The water flow has increased due to continuous rains in the Western Ghats and all field engineers are monitoring the water level round the clock,” a water resources department official said.
“Necessary safety measures have been taken to ensure that there is no danger to people living downstream,” he said.
Regional Meteorological Center (RMC), Chennai said widespread rainfall is expected to continue over southern Tamil Nadu due to the active northeast monsoon system. Madurai, Theni, Dindigul and Virudhunagar districts have received heavy rainfall since Sunday, while hilly areas have received heavy rainfall, leading to rising water levels in rivers and reservoirs.
Disaster management teams have been put on alert in low-lying areas of Madurai and Sivagangai to deal with any possible flood-related emergency.
The district administration has also directed the revenue and police departments to keep a close watch on the flow of Vaigai river and make public announcements in sensitive areas.
With the monsoon expected to continue throughout the week, officials urged the public to exercise caution and avoid going near river banks or swollen canals.
–IANS
AL/DPB