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Southern TN Flooded: Schools Close Amid Heavy Rains
22 Oct
Summary
- Heavy rain caused school closures in four southern Tamil Nadu districts.
- Water levels rose significantly in Vaigai and Mullaperiyar dams.
- Madurai collector stressed monsoon preparedness and water drainage.
Heavy rains lashed southern Tamil Nadu on Thursday, disrupting daily life and prompting authorities to close schools in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts. An orange alert led to a bathing ban at Kumbakarai Falls in Theni district as a precautionary measure. Floodwaters overtopped the Anaipillaiyar check dam near Bodi, raising concerns about potential surges.
The water levels in major reservoirs have shown a marked increase. The Vaigai dam's water level rose to 45.60 feet, up from 44.88 feet the previous day, while the Mullaperiyar dam reached 117.90 feet, an increase from 116.90 feet. Several hamlets in the Western Ghats within Tirunelveli district received substantial rainfall.
In Kanyakumari and Tuticorin districts, significant rainfall was recorded, with Surulacode and Tiruchendur reporting the highest amounts respectively. Waterlogging affected low-lying areas and some roads within Nagercoil and Tuticorin corporation limits. Heavy inflows were also noted in the Thamirabarani and Pazhayar rivers.
In response to the monsoon activity, Madurai district collector Nishant Krishna chaired a preparedness meeting. He directed officials to monitor flood-prone areas, complete precautionary works, and utilize high-capacity pumps for immediate water drainage from submerged roads and subways. Inspections of drainage systems and canals were also ordered to ensure unobstructed flow.
