Chennai: Relentless rainfall in the Cauvery catchment regions of Karnataka and Kerala has pushed the Kabini and Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs to their full storage levels, compelling authorities to release vast quantities of water downstream.

This surge has led to a sharp rise in the Cauvery River’s flow, leaving Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri district inundated and prompting flood alerts for people residing along the riverbanks.

Officials confirmed that both reservoirs in Karnataka had reached maximum storage and water was released as a precautionary step.

The discharge into the Cauvery has surged steadily, creating a cascading effect downstream. On Tuesday, inflows into Hogenakkal were recorded at around 50,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs). By 9 am on Tuesday, the flow had risen to 105,000 cusecs, increasing to 115,000 cusecs by 11 am, and peaking at nearly 135,000 cusecs by 4 pm.

The sudden surge has transformed the Hogenakkal landscape, with riverbanks spilling over and low-lying areas appearing like flooded forests.

In response, the Dharmapuri district administration has taken precautionary steps, including banning bathing and coracle rides at the Hogenakkal tourist spot to safeguard visitors.

Residents in vulnerable areas along the Cauvery have been urged to shift to safer zones until conditions ease.

The surge in water has created both opportunities and risks for Tamil Nadu. While the Mettur Dam and other irrigation systems are expected to benefit from the abundant inflow, the threat of flooding in residential areas has forced the government to balance resource management with disaster preparedness.

Officials in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are closely monitoring the situation. While Karnataka authorities continue to regulate releases from Kabini and KRS based on rainfall patterns, Tamil Nadu’s water resources and disaster management teams remain on high alert.

Evacuation measures are in place should the river level rise further.

The heavy inflows underscore the fragile balance of monsoon-fed river systems in South India, where full reservoirs upstream can bring both relief and risk downstream. For now, Hogenakkal and nearby villages remain under strict watch as the Cauvery swells with force.

IANS