Rain continues in Theni district; normal life hit in many pockets; waterfalls closed to tourists

The Sothuparai reservoir reached its full storage capacity of 126.28 feet and the surplus water of 252.31 cusecs was fully discharged, WRD officials said on Tuesday.

Following widespread rains in the catchment areas of the reservoir and along the western ghats, normal life was hit in many pockets across the district.

The officials had alerted flood warning on the Varaha river and appealed to the people to keep away even if there were no rains. “Due to excess discharge from the Sothuparai dam, the river may get flooded. Hence, people are advised to stay away…. until further notice,” they added.

In less than 24 hours, the storage level in Sothuparai dam, which was 118.42 ft, rose up by eight feet thus reaching its full capacity on Tuesday. The rainfall in the catchment area of Sothuparai dam recorded 26.2 cm.

Ban to enter water falls

Owing to heavy water flow, Suruli falls near Cumbum in Theni district, closed for tourists on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

The forest officials said that public, who arrived at Suruli water falls near Cumbum were prevented from entering as there was heavy floods. Ranger Pichaimani said that as a precaution, they had stopped the visitors and advised them to stay away.

In Kumbakarai waterfalls too, a much sought after spot by tourists, public were not allowed for the 11th consecutive day, officials said and added that following heavy rains in the upper hills and western ghats, they had taken the decision.