Is Heavy Rain in Coimbatore Causing Floods Near the Pillur Dam?
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Synopsis
In Tamil Nadu, persistent rains are affecting Coimbatore, pushing the Pillur Dam to its limits and triggering flood alerts along the Bhavani River. This article details the current situation, including emergency measures taken by local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Continuous rainfall in Coimbatore is affecting local reservoirs.
- The Pillur Dam is nearing full capacity, raising flood concerns.
- Emergency measures are in place to protect local residents.
- Local agriculture has suffered, prompting compensation efforts.
- Authorities are actively monitoring river levels to prevent disasters.
Chennai, May 27 (NationPress) Continuous downpours have been impacting Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, causing intermittent breaks that have pushed the Pillur Dam to near its full capacity and leading to flooding along the Bhavani River in Mettupalayam.
Officials from the water resources department report that the current water level at the Pillur Dam is at 96 feet, which is just four feet shy of its maximum reservoir capacity of 100 feet.
With an inflow measuring 10,515 cusecs, authorities have released the total volume downstream. On Monday night, all four sluice gates of the dam were opened to discharge around 15,000 cusecs of water to manage the rising inflow.
The District Collector, Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, inspected the flooded areas of the Bhavani River in Mettupalayam and confirmed that teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in Mettupalayam, Sirumugai, and the Pillur Dam area to handle any emergencies.
“Seventeen families residing along the riverbank have been relocated to safer locations. Public access to the river for bathing or fishing has been strictly prohibited for safety reasons,” the Collector stated.
A flood alert has been issued to all residents residing near the riverbanks, urging them to move to safer areas until conditions improve.
In addition, the Siruvani Dam has also experienced a rise in its water level due to the ongoing rainfall. The dam’s storage level increased by four feet, from 22 feet on Sunday to 26 feet on Monday, compared to its full reservoir level of 50 feet.
Downstream, the Bhavani Sagar Dam in Erode saw a significant increase in inflow. The inflow surged from 4,367 cusecs at 4 p.m. on Sunday to 16,572 cusecs by Monday evening. Consequently, the dam’s water level rose from 70.62 feet to 73.02 feet, against its full capacity of 105 feet.
Housing, Prohibition, and Excise Minister S. Muthusamy, who visited a damaged house in Madukkarai, mentioned that eight houses were affected by the rainfall in the district. He added that the district administration has started the process of distributing compensation totaling Rs 25.5 lakh to farmers who suffered losses to their plantain crops due to the rains.
“Thanks to timely precautionary measures, overall damage in the district has been constrained,” the Minister remarked.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize that while the rains have caused significant challenges in Coimbatore, the quick response from local authorities showcases the importance of preparedness. The situation is being managed with utmost care, ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing damage.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of the Pillur Dam?
The Pillur Dam currently has a water level of 96 feet, which is just four feet short of its full capacity of 100 feet.
What precautions are being taken to ensure safety?
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in flood-affected areas, and families living near the riverbanks have been relocated to safer locations.
Has a flood alert been issued?
Yes, a flood alert has been issued for residents living near the Bhavani River, advising them to move to safer areas until the situation stabilizes.
What impact has the rain had on local agriculture?
Many farmers have reported losses, and the district administration is in the process of distributing compensation to those affected.
How has the Siruvani Dam been affected?
The Siruvani Dam has seen its water level rise from 22 feet to 26 feet due to the ongoing rainfall.
