In Chennai on October 19, local authorities warned residents in Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram that the Vaigai River could rise fast after a brewing storm hit the region. The Vaigai dam, already swelling, now sits at 66 feet – a five‑foot jump in just one day.
Heavy rains in the hills have funneled water into the Vaigai, Suruli and Kottakudi rivers. Officials say the dam’s inflow surged from 2,268 cusecs at 6 a.m. to nearly 24,000 cusecs by 11 a.m. on Sunday, ten times its earlier rate. That spike pushed the water level higher than expected and triggered the first‑stage flood alert.
The Public Works Department and district officials are telling people in low‑lying riverbanks to stay alert. They warn that if the water climbs to 68.5 feet, a second‑stage alert will sound, and at 69 feet the authorities will release water into the Vaigai to avoid a spill‑over.
While the flood alert worries downstream residents, the rise in water also eases pressure on farmers in the five districts. The dam is expected to hit full capacity early in the northeast monsoon, giving the region’s main crop, samba paddy, a reliable irrigation supply.
Officials caution that if rainfall continues, the dam may need to release water suddenly, which could flood nearby settlements for a short period. Disaster response teams and local administrations remain on standby to handle any emergencies from further rises in the dam’s water level.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
