Mullaiperiyar dam water level surges after heavy rain, flood alert issued

Chennai: The water level in Tamil Nadu's Mullaiperiyar dam has witnessed a sharp surge following days of continuous rainfall, leading authorities to issue a flood alert for residents in downstream areas.

As of Wednesday, the dam’s water level has climbed to 121.60 feet, a significant increase from 114.45 feet recorded just four days earlier. The steep rise has been attributed to heavy inflow, which reached 7,735 cusecs on Wednesday alone. To manage the situation, the discharge from the reservoir has been increased to 100 cusecs.

Theni District Collector Ranjith Singh issued a statement urging residents living along the riverbanks to evacuate and move to safer locations as a precaution. “No one should enter the river for bathing or washing clothes under any circumstances,” the Collector warned. He further advised those residing in low-lying areas or near riverbanks to temporarily relocate until the situation returns to normal.

Authorities have been directed to broadcast flood warnings and safety guidelines through public address systems and other available communication channels. Revenue and local body officials across the district have been placed on high alert and tasked with ensuring swift responses in the event of any flood-related emergency.

As of Wednesday, reservoirs across Theni district have reached nearly 75 percent of their total storage capacity, underscoring the intensity of the recent rainfall. On Monday, the Mullaiperiyar dam stood at 115.65 feet after recording over 50 mm of rain. By Wednesday, the level had surged to 121.60 feet, reflecting the persistent inflow from catchment areas.

According to regional rainfall data, the Periyar dam zone recorded 73 mm of rainfall on Wednesday, while Thekkady received moderate showers measuring 32.2 mm. With forecasts indicating the possibility of continued rain in the region, officials emphasised the importance of constant monitoring of water levels and inflow.

District authorities have appealed to the public to stay alert and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local officials. Emergency response teams have been mobilised and all necessary arrangements have been made to deal with any potential flood situation.

The rising water levels in Mullaiperiyar dam have not only intensified the risk of flooding but also reinforced the need for heightened vigilance in the days ahead.

With IANS inputs