Tamil Nadu   

Rain in Theni, Madurai

THENI: Moderate showers in Theni and nearby areas brought respite to people in urban and rural areas. The district has been receiving intermittent showers for the past one week.

However, water level remained static in Periyar and Vaigai dams.

Entire inflow of 100 cusecs has been discharged into the Mullai Periyar river for Chithirai festival of Sri Gowmariamman Temple at Veerapandi.

Temperature fell down sharply owing to cool breeze followed by sudden rain in the evening.

Routine life was paralysed in Theni. Worst affected were the pilgrims visiting Sri Gowmariamman temple.

With sufficient storage level in Periyar dam, chances of releasing water for irrigation of the first crop in double cropping area in the Cumbum valley on June 1 is very bright. Public Works Department officials stated that water could be released for irrigation if the storage level stood at 100 feet.

But the dam has 133 feet of water as on Monday. Moreover, the dam has been receiving 100 cusecs for the five four days.

But farmers had appealed to the State Government to advance the release by a week or 10 days to avoid crop damage at harvesting stage.

Such measure would help them prepare the field for cultivation, they said.

The summer shower was a great boon to farmers in rain-fed areas.

Sporadic rain was very useful to maize, horticulture crops and other long-term crops like coconut, said farmers.

Water level in Vaigai dam stood at 70.70 feet. Inflow into the dam was 113 cusecs and discharge from the dam 41 cusecs for drinking water purpose to Madurai city.

Climate was very cool owing to mild showers on Kodaikanal Hill. Batlagundu, Nilkaotti and Viruveedu received moderate showers in the evening. Sky was overcast and temperature was very low in Dindigul.

Lightning struck two coconut palms in Gomathipuram on Monday evening.

According to a local resident, one palm each at Shenbagam Street and Kurunji Street caught fire at around 7.15 p.m. However, sudden showers put out the flames. A fire tender from Tallakulam fire station too was pressed into service.

In another incident at S.S. Colony, a spark from electrical overhead cable ignited fire on a tree that was doused by the Madurai fire station.

The rain, accompanied by lightning and thunder, continued for more than an hour.

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