Flood Alert Issued in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, Bhavani River Water Level Rises

Coimbatore: Authorities of Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district have issued a flood alert following the overflow of the Bhavani River. The reservoir received an inflow of 14,000 cusecs from Pillor dam on Tuesday, causing the water level to rise to 97 feet, just below its maximum capacity.

The authorities have issued a flood warning to residents in areas along the riverbanks, including the Nellithurai Badrakaliamman Temple, Odanthurai, Vachinampalayam, Alangombu, Sirumugai, and Jadayampalayam.

The Mettupalayam municipality used loudspeakers to issue a flood alert to the local population. 

Mettupalayam Tahsildar Chandran, Municipal President Parveen, Commissioner Amuda, and Police Sub-Inspector Thanikasalam are actively taking precautionary measures for residents near the Bhavani river bridge on the Mettupalayam-Ooty road.

Coimbatore district received a total rainfall of 928.30 mm and an average rainfall of 40.36 mm in the 24 hours that ended at 8.30 AM on 26 June.

District collector Kranthi Kumar declared a school holiday in Valparai due to heavy rainfall in the hills. Chinnakallar rain gauge station in Valparai received the highest rainfall of 198 mm followed by Cinchona which recorded 147 mm in 24 hours till Wednesday morning.

In the areas like Chinnakallar, Neera, Cinchona, Akkamalai, and Vellamalai people remained indoors for an entire day. The residents had to suffer power cuts too in Valparai.

In the plains, Siruvani foothills received the highest rainfall of 60 mm, followed by Thondamuthur with 33 mm.

Although there were occasional showers for the past ten days, Wednesday set the tone for the southwest monsoon's torrential downpour. 

The regional meteorological department has forecast a very heavy rainfall for the ghat areas of Coimbatore district for the next seven days. Coimbatore Corporation and the district administration authorities said they have taken precautionary measures to address emergencies.