Flood warning issued for 5 districts as Vaigai dam level touches 69 feet

The total capacity of the dam is 71 feet. Following the rise in the water level, the third flood warning was issued to five districts, including Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivagangai and Ramanathapuram, and people living in low-lying areas and close to the river banks have been asked to be cautious and move to safer places.

The dam has an inflow of 4,260 cusecs and a discharge of 2,500 cusecs. The canal cum drinking water of 1,760 cusecs was released, said Madurai Collector S Natarajan in a statement on Sunday. He advised people not to move closer to the water body and they should restrain themselves from taking photos or selfie. He also asked the people not to engage in fishing in such waters and no cattle should be allowed to bathe. While crossing the stream of water, the pedestrians should be careful, he added.

Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management RB Udhayakumar presided over a meeting convened by the Collector in Madurai, on Sunday to review the preparedness measures taken ahead of the Northeast monsoon.

The emergency operation centre-cum control room is available round the clock and toll-free number 1077 could be dialled for assistance. Besides, cell phone number 9597176061 has also been made available for the people to register their complaints concerning rain and other related issues. In Madurai district, 27 flood prone areas had been identified, the minister said.

Heavy rain lashed some parts of Virudhunagar and Kanniyakumari district. Virudhunagar district experienced 12 cm of rain leaving low lying areas inundated. The downpour in catchments areas increased water level in Pechiparai, Perunchani and Chittar dams. The District Administration issued flood alert and advised people in low lying areas and those living nearby Kulithurai and river banks of Tamirabarani to move to safer places.

While Tirparappu received rainfall of 6 cm, Chittar-I, Chittar-II and Nagercoil experienced 5 cm of rainfall each. Water level in Perunchani dam, which has a total capacity of 77 feet, touched 72 feet.