Dists put on alert as rivers in spate

Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and the Nilgiris have been put on alert following heavy rains while River Kadilam and the Veeranam in Cuddalore are monitored round the clock. The inflow into Mettur has reduced and the situation in western districts is now under control, SDMA officials said.

According to the officials, the week-long rains in Cuddalore has affected normal life and the Veeranam tank that supplies water to Chennai is brimming with an inflow of 3000 cusecs.

Also, sources said that “the Kadilam river in the district is flooding and the public along the banks of Veeranam and Kadilam have been moved to safety. Temporary shelters have been set up along the banks of Thamirabharani river in Tirunelveli and the situation in Tenkasi is also surveillance.” Heavy rainfall warning has also been issued to Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts, sources added.

Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Authority has also planned to intensify its organisational structure by roping in senior consultants and data entry assistants for strengthening the resources of the body. As a result, SDMA has invited applications from aspiring consultants specialising in disaster management authority. “For a period of 12 months, and if required, annual extension can be granted till the completion of the project. A monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh is fixed for the job,” a senior SDMA official said.

Elaborating on the job profile, the official said it sought technical assistance in preparation of the hazard risk vulnerability atlas for the State. “Besides, alignment of State Plans and District Plans in accordance with the disaster management framework is the job profile of the consultant,” the official added.

Meanwhile, compiling and timely furnishing of data and information to NDMA on disaster aspects and implementation of NDMA schemes are now intensified at the SDMA headquarters. Temporary staff to handle the additional work will soon be appointed, SDMA sources said.

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The State Public Works Department (PWD) authorities on Tuesday evening issued the first flood warning to five southern districts downstream Vaigai dam, as the water level reached the 66-feet mark against its full capacity of 71 feet.

PWD sources said people living on the banks of River Vaigai that traverses through Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts were advised to move to safer places as a precautionary measure. People were also advised not to take bath or attempt to cross the river.

The inflow into the reservoir was 2992 cusecs and the discharge was 360 cusecs.

With the rising water level, Madurai Collector TG Vinay said the district administration was prepared to handle the situation once the surplus quantity from the dam was released into the river.

The second flood warning will be issued when the dam level crosses 68 feet and thereafter, the final flood warning will be sounded once the dam touches 69 feet.

The entire inflow into the dam will be discharged into the river after the final flood warning.