Chennai, October 21 (Daily Kiran): Continuous heavy rainfall over the Western Ghats due to the northeast monsoon has led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Vaigai Dam in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district. The dam’s level has now reached 69 feet, prompting the Public Works Department (PWD) to issue a third-level flood warning.
Officials said that persistent rainfall in the Varushanad Hills over the past three days has resulted in heavy inflow into the dam’s catchment areas. To manage the rising water level, excess water is being released through the regular sluice gates.
Residents living along the Vaigai River and in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert and move to safer locations if necessary. According to PWD engineers, the dam’s full reservoir level is 71 feet, and the inflow continues to rise due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the upper catchment region.
Originating from the Varushanad mountain ranges, the Vaigai River gathers strength from several smaller streams flowing through Valipparai, Thummakkundu, Murukkodai, Varushanad, Kadamalakkundu, Duraichamipuram, Kandamanur, Ammachiapuram, and Kunnur before reaching the reservoir.
A Water Resources Department official said, “The continuous rain over the Western Ghats has increased the water level, and all regional engineers are monitoring the situation round-the-clock. Necessary safety measures have been taken to ensure that residents along the lower stretches of the river are not affected.”
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai reported that widespread rainfall is expected to continue across southern Tamil Nadu due to the active northeast monsoon system. Heavy rains have been recorded since Sunday in Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, and Virudhunagar districts, leading to rising levels in rivers and reservoirs.
Disaster management teams in the low-lying areas of Madurai and Sivaganga districts have been placed on high alert to respond to any potential flood emergencies. The district administration has also directed the revenue and police departments to closely monitor the Vaigai River’s flow and make public announcements in vulnerable areas.
With monsoon conditions expected to persist throughout the week, authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and avoid going near riverbanks and overflowing canals.