Heavy rainfall in Dindigul and Theni

Dindigul and Theni districts recorded very heavy rainfall on Friday.

Dindigul district recorded a total rainfall of 353.80 mm and Theni district recorded 649 mm.

In Dindigul district, Palani recorded very heavy rainfall of 118 mm. In Theni district, Periyakulam recorded very heavy rainfall of 147 mm.

Heavy rainfall across Theni district led to a surge in water flow in the tributaries of River Vaigai. The surge in the water flow brought joy to farmers.

However, the heavy rainfall caused rockfalls and landslips in both the districts, particularly on the Kodaikanal road and near Periyakulam. Vehicle users faced a difficult time due to rocks and soil debris blocking the roads.

Incidents of rockfalls and landslides were reported on at least 10 locations and the authorities have initiated restoration work.

The authorities have a task at hand to clear the roads on a war footing as a surge is expected in tourists visiting Dindigul and Theni districts on the festive weekend and holidays

Fire and Rescue Services personnel are on high alert in Dindigul and Theni districts. In Dindigul, a team of 36 personnel are on high alert. They are fully equipped with necessary safety gear.

The team is prepared for deployment and are equipped with necessary resources including inflatable rescue boats, life jackets, power saws, concrete cutters, ropes, fire engines, specialised rescue vehicles and protective gear.

Due to heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats, the Kumbakkarai falls has been closed for tourists as a precautionary measure.

The heavy rain has brought much-needed relief to the people of Dindigul and Theni districts, particularly the farmers, who had highlighted the water crisis in the region due to the lack of rainfall. The crises were highlighted at various meetings, including the farmers’ grievance redress meeting. They had urged that Dindigul and Theni districts be declared drought-hit.

Office-goers and students were affected due to waterlogging in both the districts.