Those travelling past Madurantakam on National Highway 45 over the past few days would have felt temped to stop and watch the water gushing out of the lake near the temple town.
With the heavy rain filling many lakes in the district, people have been flocking to get a glimpse of the waterbodies.
At Madurantakam Lake, the sluice gates that automatically get locked have become a picnic spot for residents, especially youth.
Officials said the sluice gates rise automatically once the lake is filled to the brim, enabling water to flow out and are locked once the storage level comes down.
When the sluice gates opened last week, youth began to flock to the spot to bathe and simply frolic, unmindful of the risks.
Riverbed causeway damaged
The causeway in Irumpulichery caved in on Thursday morning, due to the increase in water flow in the Palar.
The district administration has ensured supply of essential commodities to 5,000 people in Irumpulichery and Edayathur and Perumbedu hamlets there.
A medical team has also been posted with the necessary medicines.
Irumpulichery is an island of sorts as it is located at the confluence of the Palar and Kiliyar rivers.
Steps have also been taken to provide four boats to help residents of Edayathur cross the river and reach Nerumbur in Thirukazhukundram taluk.
The construction of a bridge across the river between Edayathur with Nerumbur that was initiated began three years ago is yet to be completed, sources added.
The causeway in Irumpulichery caved in on Thursday morning
