No let-up in downpour in Kumari district

Since cold weather prevailed in those parts of the districts due to the resulting rains, the people were delighted. The copious flow has led to the rise in water level in dams in these districts.

With the flow of water being abnormal in Thirparappu waterfalls in Kanniyakumari, tourists were prevented from bathing as a precautionary measure.

The police were also deployed near the waterfalls to disallow tourists from nearing the area.

Rains were also observed in parts of Nagercoil, Marthandam, Thuckalay, Colachel, Thengapattinam and also in catchment areas, including the Pechiparai and Perunchani dams. Owing to incessant rain in Kuzhithurai, a low-level bridge across Tamirabarani submerged, sources said.

Among 25 rain gauge stations in Kanniyakumari district, Pechiparai and Surulacode received the highest amount of rainfall, registering 102.4 mm as recorded from 8 am on Monday to 8 am on Tuesday. During this period, the district recorded an average of 54.88 mm rainfall.

Next to these stations, Perunchani received 95 mm and Puthen dam 92.2 mm. However, no rain-related incident has been reported in the district, sources said.

Moreover, the ferry service between Kanniyakumari coast and Vivekanda Rock and Thiruvalluvar Statue have been suspended since the sea turned rough and conditions remained averse to sailing.

Further, fishing operations by country boats were also suspended as unfamiliar conditions at sea forced fishermen to keep off their routine. Over 5,000 registered boats remained anchored in shores at many coastal hamlets, sources said.

Since the depression formed in the Arabian Sea off West Coast was likely to intensify into a cyclone, fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea until further announcement.

Courtallam in Tirunelveli district continued to attract tourists as monsoon showers provided a conducive environment.