Madurai: Authorities have issued a first-stage flood warning for areas along the Vaigai River in five Tamil Nadu districts, following a dramatic rise in the Vaigai Dam’s water level due to relentless rainfall over the past few days.

The alert covers low-lying and riverbank settlements in Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram. Officials are urging residents to stay alert and be prepared for evacuation if the situation worsens.

On Saturday evening, the water level in the Vaigai Dam rose to 66 feet, an increase of five feet within 24 hours. The sharp spike is the result of heavy inflows from the Vaigai, Suruli, and Kottakudi rivers, all swollen from intense downpours in the hill areas of Theni district.

In just five hours on Sunday morning, inflows into the dam jumped from 2,268 to nearly 24,000 cusecs, marking a tenfold increase and triggering precautionary measures across downstream regions.

Multi-stage alerts and evacuation readiness

Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) confirmed that a second-stage flood alert will be issued if the dam reaches 68.5 feet, and a final warning will be sounded at 69 feet, when surplus water will be released into the Vaigai River.

District administrations have begun sensitising residents in vulnerable areas, preparing emergency shelters, and placing disaster response teams on standby.

Farmers relieved, but officials remain cautious

While the sudden rise in water levels has raised concerns among riverbank communities, it has also sparked hope among farmers. With the northeast monsoon just beginning, the prospect of a full Vaigai Dam promises a steady irrigation supply—particularly crucial for samba paddy cultivation.

However, authorities warn that continued heavy rain may necessitate rapid water releases, which could temporarily flood nearby villages.

With rain forecasts still active and the dam nearing capacity, disaster response teams and local administrations are on standby to manage any emergency arising.