The state of Tamil Nadu is on high alert as heavy rainfall has led to flood warnings in the Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai districts, where the Thenpennai River flows. The alert follows continuous heavy downpours in the river’s catchment areas, which have significantly raised water levels, prompting authorities to issue warnings to the residents.
The Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) dam has been impacted by the substantial rainfall, forcing authorities to release 2,000 cusecs of water to manage the rising water levels. This release has triggered additional flood warnings in the downstream areas, particularly Harur and Pappireddipatti. The situation is being closely monitored by local officials, with Dharmapuri District Collector K. Santhi urging people to stay away from the riverbanks due to the danger posed by the sudden rise in water levels.
Revenue officials in Dharmapuri reported that the water inflow at the KRP dam had been steadily increasing since Monday, with a notable surge following the release of water on Wednesday night. The flow is expected to further increase to approximately 2,500 cusecs, raising concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas and villages situated along the Thenpennai River. Authorities have been conducting announcements in nearby communities, advising residents to maintain a safe distance from the river and to be vigilant of the evolving situation.
To address the risk of flooding, emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Fire and Rescue Services, have been placed on standby to respond if needed. The SDRF and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are strategically positioned at 26 locations across Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur districts to assist with any rain-related emergencies. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government has prepared 219 boats for potential rescue operations, ensuring swift response capabilities in case of worsening conditions.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has reported that the weather pattern is expected to shift, with rain likely to move toward the northern districts, including Ranipet and Vellore, by evening. The change in weather will be accompanied by strong winds, potentially reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, particularly over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. This poses an additional challenge to authorities managing the flood risk and the safety of coastal communities.
In addition to the current heavy rains, the state is also preparing for the arrival of the northeast monsoon, which is expected to commence on October 20, five days earlier than the usual onset date. The RMC has indicated that a low-pressure area in the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, located around 490 km southeast of Chennai. This depression is anticipated to make landfall between Puducherry and Nellore, near Chennai, on Thursday, bringing with it the potential for more heavy rainfall.
Authorities remain on high alert as they continue to monitor the situation closely. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels, follow safety instructions, and avoid risky areas near rivers and coastal regions. With emergency teams on standby and preparations underway for the incoming monsoon, Tamil Nadu is bracing for what could be a challenging period of severe weather conditions.
