Widespread rain and downpour in many parts of Kanyakumari district affected normal life as many low-lying areas were inundated.
The PWD officials are closely monitoring the situation as the two major reservoirs in the district are getting a steady inflow. A flood warning looked imminent. Perunchani recorded a rainfall of 1.2 cm in the last 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. on Sunday.
Sea erosion and incursion were reported in coastal villages near Thengaipattinam, Azhikal, Pillaithope, Midalam, Kurumparai and Colachel two days ago. Now, the continuous rain not only hit the routine, but also resulted in traffic jams on many stretches. Production was suspended in salt pans and brick kilns.
Public Works Department officials said that storage level in Pechiparai dam was 45.73 ft (full level is 48 ft), with an inflow of 2,651 cusecs. In Perunchani, the storage level was 75 ft (77 ft), with an inflow of 2,107 cusecs and discharge of 2,845 cusecs. As much as 537 cusecs was discharged from Chittar dam.
With intermittent rain continuing in the district, officials have cautioned the people living near riverbanks to move to safer places. In low-lying areas, transport was cut off and roads had been badly damaged.
The worst-affected were farmers in the district as many had just sown seeds in their fields. The rains had washed away seeds sown in close to 100 hectares.
In Alamparai, a long stretch of 200 feet road was not severely damaged. Over 30 dwellings suffered damage in the rain in Samiathope. Officials maintained that there was no casualty, and the residents had been moved to safety.
Boat service suspended
For the third consecutive day, boat service to Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari remained suspended due to heavy wind accompanied by rain, the officials said. Triveni Sangamam, Sunset Park and Vivekanandar Memorial witnessed a huge turnout of tourists.
