Surplus water overflows from Sothupparai dam

Surplus water overflowed from Sothupparai dam in Theni district on Friday as the Northeast monsoon intensified in the region.

With the dam reaching its full capacity due to heavy rainfall, it surplussed, bringing joy to the farmers who had earlier complained about lack of rainfall and even urged the authorities to declare Theni district drought-affected.

Located in the Western Ghats, about 9 km from Periyakulam, Sothupparai dam serves as a major water source — for both drinking and irrigation purposes. Periyakulam has recorded very high rainfall in the region.

Following the heavy rain over this week, the water level in the dam, which stood at 115.46 feet on October 20, gradually rose to its full capacity of 126.28 feet.

In Dindigul district, Kodaikanal and Palani regions recorded very high rainfall. The heavy downpour in Kodaikanal and its surroundings on Friday triggered landslips in at least three locations along the main ghat road. Traffic was disrupted. Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Dindigul and Palani regions. Waterlogging was reported in several residential areas.

People travelling through the ghat sections have been instructed to exercise extreme caution as the areas were prone to tree falls, landslips and flash floods.

Considering the safety of the tourists, the authorities instructed the public to avoid visiting Kodaikanal and Thandikudi for now due to the heavy rainfall recorded in the region. The public have been advised to strictly follow the safety instructions issued by the authorities.