Level 2 flood warning issued in TN; Vaigai Dam set to reach capacity within 48 hours

A Level 2 flood warning has been issued for residents living along the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu’s Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts, as the Vaigai Dam is expected to reach its full storage capacity within the next 48 hours.

The alert follows continuous rainfall in the region and increased inflow from the Mullaperiyar Dam, raising concerns over possible flooding in downstream areas. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to remain cautious.

Located near Andipatti in Theni district, the Vaigai Dam recorded a water level of 68.41 feet on Monday morning. With the full reservoir level (FRL) set at 71 feet, officials expect the water level to rise to 69 feet later in the day and continue increasing due to the heavy inflow.

Currently, the dam is receiving 1,594 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water, while only 69 cusecs are being released to meet the drinking water needs of Madurai city. The total reserve has now reached 5,421 cusecs.

Authorities have indicated that the dam will be allowed to reach its maximum capacity before releasing the excess inflow, which could trigger flooding along the riverbanks.

In light of the situation, a yellow alert has been declared in Theni district, where continued rainfall has raised water levels further. Once the dam hits full capacity, all incoming water will be released downstream, potentially affecting low-lying areas in neighboring districts.

Meanwhile, the Mullaperiyar Dam is also witnessing significant inflow, receiving 1,053 cusecs per second. To manage the rising water levels, the outflow has been increased to 1,862 cusecs.

Officials attributed the situation to sustained rainfall in the Western Ghats, which has contributed to rising water levels in several dams and reservoirs across the region. Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to stay alert and adhere to safety advisories as water levels continue to be monitored closely.