Downpour pushes up storage level in most dams

Many parts of Madurai experienced intermittent drizzle, throwing normal life out of gear. The atmosphere here and the surrounding areas turned cold after the drizzle. The skies remained overcast throughout the day.

In the neighbouring Theni district, rainfall occurred in many localities. Tourists, however, were allowed to bathe in the Suruli and Kumbakarai waterfalls even though both the localities witnessed a steady flow. Many Sabarimalai devotees spent their time at the Suruli falls.

The recent downpour along the Western Ghats and other catchment areas led to a significant rise in waterbodies, sources said. The level in Vaigai dam (71 feet) stood at 68.57 feet, with an inflow of 933 cusecs and a discharge of 810 cusecs. The level in Mullaperiyar dam (142 feet) stood at 127.60 feet with an inflow of 631 cusecs and discharge of 1000 cusecs. The level in Manjalar dam (57 feet) stood at 54.90 feet with an inflow of 66 cusecs and discharge of 90 cusecs. With the level at 126.31 feet against its maximum capacity of 126.28 feet, the Sothuparai dam had an inflow of 34 cusecs and the same quantum was discharged. The level in Shanmuganathi dam (52.55 feet) stood at 51.20 feet, with an inflow of seven cusecs and discharge of 14.47 cusecs, sources said.

Nearly five days after rainfall subsided in Thoothukudi, the downpour resumed since Saturday noon. However, fishing operations by mechanised boats and country craft continued as usual.

Further, parts of Rameswaram, Thangachimadam and Pamban in the neighbouring coastal district of Ramanathapuram also experienced rainfall. Fishermen off various coastal hamlets there too continued their daily routine at sea, sources said.

With parts of Courtallam in Tenkasi district receiving copious rain, tourists were restricted from bathing in the ‘Old Courtallam Falls’ and in ‘Main Falls’, sources said.