Unexpected rains in the Western Ghats triggered flash floods in all waterfalls at Courtallam and significant influx of water into the prime reservoirs of the district on Saturday.
Since Papanasam experienced 75 mm rainfall, water level at Papanasam Dam rose from 59 feet to 65.50 feet on Saturday after the influx stood at 5,887 cusecs. The relatively small Servalar dam’s water level leapt from 69 feet to 94 feet this morning, thanks to this heavy influx of water. However, inflow of water into Manimuthar dam was not impressive as the reservoir that experienced only 19 mm rainfall was getting only 55 cusecs.
As intermittent drizzle started in the Western Ghats on Friday, the Main Falls and Five Falls experienced floods in the afternoon and the police subsequently stopped the tourists from taking bath in the falls. When the situation improved in the evening, the visitors were allowed to take bath at safer points.
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However, it never lasted long following fresh floods in the waterfalls on Friday night and the situation continued for the second day today as bathing was banned on Saturday also at Main Falls and Five Falls. The only solace for the revellers was the Old Falls where the tourists were allowed to take bath.
The sky remained overcast in most parts of the district on Saturday and intermittent drizzle made the day pleasant.
Rainfall in the district (in mm): Papanasam – 75, Tenkasi – 60, Radhapuram – 42.20, Shencottah – 33, Aayikudi – 25.20, Manimuthar – 19.80, Sivagiri – 10, Sankarankovil – 7, Ambasamudram – 6, Palayamkottai – 6, Tirunelveli – 2 and Cheranmahadevi – 1.20.
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