Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032255040100.htm

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First flood warning issued in Vaigai

Staff Reporter

MADURAI: The Public Works Department has issued the first flood warning to five districts downstream the Vaigai dam as water level is fast nearing the full reservoir level.

The first warning was issued at 3.30 p.m. on Friday as and when the level touched 66 feet.

With a huge inflow of 10,000 cusecs recorded at the dam, the second warning is likely on Saturday when the level reaches 68.5 feet.

This is the first time since 1984 that the Vaigai dam is facing a flood-like situation during March.

“The dam had surplussed from March 7 to April 30 then. A total of 21,000 cusecs was released on March 8 (1984) alone,” an engineer said.

The first flood warning is being issued for the third time in the last five months.

“Move to safety”

Though the dam did not surplus in November 2007, excess water was released in December 2007, he added.

People living along the banks of the Vaigai in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts have been asked to move to safety.

In the event of more flow into the dam, water would be released through the river.

“We will not release it for the system tanks, since it is not irrigation season,” he added.

The officials are planning to store water to the maximum level.