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Chennai, Oct 20 (IANS) Northeast monsoon continues to lash many parts of Tamil Nadu causing heavy rains, causing rivers to swell, reservoir levels to rise and flooding in low-lying areas of southern districts.
In Tenkasi, heavy rains have led to a spectacular but dangerous surge in the famous Courtallam Falls, forcing authorities to extend bathing restrictions for the fifth consecutive day.
Torrential rains in the Western Ghats last week have flooded rivers and waterfalls across the region.
The Main Falls, Five Falls, Old Courtallam, Chitraruvi and Puliyaruvi are all filled with heavy water flows, turning into powerful torrents that pose a safety risk to visitors.
With water flowing over the barriers and the current remaining dangerously strong, district authorities have banned bathing in all springs as a precautionary measure.
The restrictions, first imposed last Thursday, continued for the fifth day on Monday, frustrating hundreds of tourists visiting during the Diwali holidays.
Many visitors, including non-resident Indians who came home for the festive season, expressed disappointment as they were refused access to the waterfall.
A senior Courtallam police officer said, “The water flow is very high and unpredictable. Once the level subsides, the falls will be reopened for tourists under police surveillance.”
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has increased precautionary measures in rain-affected districts. The State Disaster Management Authority has kept rescue teams ready and directed district collectors to ensure that relief centers are fully functional.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has increased the number of shelters in view of the possibility of heavy rainfall in urban areas.
According to the Regional Meteorological Center in Chennai, the Northeast Monsoon, which arrived on October 16, will intensify further this week.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari, Madurai and Nilgiri districts.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea as conditions are rough in the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Comorin areas.
The usually serene Courtallam Falls, now transformed into a thunderous waterfall, remain a breathtaking sight – but for safety reasons, they are off limits to tourists until the monsoon is over.
–IANS
all/rad