CHENNAI: The damage caused by flooding and over-wash after Cyclone Fengal, which triggered unprecedented rainfall in the region on December 1 and 2, has been significant. Over 1,400 breaches in tanks, supply channels, and riverbanks in five northern districts, including Villupuram, have been identified.

According to senior officials in the Water Resources Department (WRD), Villupuram was the worst affected by the heavy downpour and floods. So far, officials have identified 900 breaches in tanks and riverbanks in the district, which have been categorised as requiring temporary repairs.

Teams have also identified 186 breaches and over-wash of tanks and riverbanks in Kallakurichi under the Tiruvannamalai division, 149 in Krishnagiri, 136 in Tiruvannamalai, and 70 in Dharmapuri. “We’re still continuing the assessment in Villupuram, which is the worst affected district. However, we’re unable to assess the damage in rivers and supply channels in many places due to lack of accessibility. Once the situation improves, we’ll resume the assessment in the Thenpennai river and other affected areas,” said a senior official.

Officials have initiated temporary repair works by placing sandbags and boulders to stop the breaches in tanks. They would submit a detailed report before the central team completes its field inspection in the affected districts,” he added.