MADURAI: Third flood warning in Sothuparai dam, Theni district was issued on Tuesday evening after the water level in the dam, which has a capacity of 126.28 ft, touched its maximum.

The PWD issued the flood warning to people living on the riverbanks of Varaganathi in Periyakulam, Melmangalam, Jeyamangalam and Kullapuram and advised them to be cautious as the authorities started discharging eight cusecs of surplus water.

The catchment areas along Western Ghats experienced a considerable amount of rainfall over the last ten days giving rise to the water level in the dam. Moreover, people were advised not to approach the river for bathing and more rains are expected in coming days, sources said.