Vellore

Officials said that continuous rain in the dam’s catchment areas in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and copious rain at the dam site resulted in the reservoir reaching its FTL (full tank level) of 36 feet two days ago. Even after, the continuous rain resulted in the excess water overflowing above the dam.

If the inflow keeps raising, officials could open the dam anytime.

So, based on the orders from Vellore Collector A Shanmuga Sundararm, tom tom messages were relayed in around 20 villages on the banks channels asking residents to move to higher ground for safety.

Residents of nearly 19 locations, including Gudiyattam were warned to be safe as water could be released anytime.

Despite the flood alert, farmers expressed cheer as the water would irrigate 8,000 acres and also fill up 19 irrigation tanks in the surrounding area thereby recharging the ground water table.

Police have been posted at the dam site to keep visitors at bay, while PWD officials are continuously monitoring the situation at the dam.

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