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Chennai Flood Alert: Dam Discharges Surge Amid Heavy Rainfall Crisis

Heavy rainfall across Chennai has prompted emergency dam discharge measures. The Water Resources Department significantly increased water releases from Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs to prevent overflow. Multiple low-lying areas along both river systems have been placed on high alert with evacuation advisories. Officials assure the public that all standard flood protocols are being followed to manage the situation safely.

Key Points: Chennai Flood Alert as Chembarambakkam Poondi Dams Increase Discharge

  • Chembarambakkam outflow increased to 500 cusecs from previous 100 cusecs release
  • Poondi Reservoir discharge doubled to 4,500 cusecs for flood management
  • Multiple villages along Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar rivers placed on high alert
  • Reservoir levels approaching safe limits amid continuous heavy rainfall
2 min read

Flood alert issued as discharge from TN's Chembarambakkam, Poondi dams increases

Water Resources Department issues high alerts along Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar rivers as dam discharges surge to 500-4,500 cusecs amid heavy Chennai rainfall.

"There is no need for the public to panic as all flood regulation measures are being strictly followed - Chief Engineer, Chennai Region"

Chennai, Oct 22

Amid continuing heavy rainfall across the Chennai region, the Water Resources Department (WRD) on Wednesday issued high alerts to residents living along the Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar Rivers as surplus water discharge from Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs was significantly increased to ensure dam safety.

At Chembarambakkam Lake in Kancheepuram district, the outflow was raised to 500 cubic feet per second (cusecs) from 10 a.m., up from the earlier precautionary release of 100 cusecs initiated on October 21. Officials said the inflow into the reservoir, which stood at 2,170 cusecs at 6 a.m., rose sharply following overnight rainfall.

The lake, which has a full capacity of 3,645 million cubic feet (mcft) and a maximum depth of 24 feet, recorded a storage level of 20.84 feet (2,815 mcft), up from 18.52 feet last week.

The WRD engineers said the release is part of the standard flood management protocol to keep levels within the safe 21-foot limit. Residents of low-lying areas downstream, including Sirukalathur, Kavanur, Kundrathur, Tirumudivakkam, Vazhudiyampedu, and Tiruneermalai, have been advised to stay alert and shift to higher ground as the Adyar River level is expected to rise.

Simultaneously, the WRD has intensified flood warnings for settlements along the Kosasthalaiyar River as Poondi Reservoir (Sathyamoorthy Sagar) stepped up discharge from 2,000 to 4,500 cusecs starting Wednesday morning.

The Poondi reservoir’s current storage stands at 2,536 mcft (33.05 feet) against its full capacity of 3,231 mcft (35 feet), with inflow touching 2,910 cusecs from catchment areas and feeder canals such as Kesavaram Dam and Kandaleru Canal.

Villages, including Nambakkam, Thamaraipakkam, Thirukandalam, Athur, Pandikkavanur, and Jagannathapuram, along with Manali New Town and Sadayankuppam in the Manali zone, have been placed on high alert.

The WRD, however, assured that the precautionary releases were made in advance to maintain adequate buffer capacity in the city’s major reservoirs -- Chembarambakkam, Puzhal, and Poondi -- thereby ensuring that even heavy rainfall would not result in uncontrolled flooding.

“There is no need for the public to panic as all flood regulation measures are being strictly followed,” said the Chief Engineer, Chennai Region, in a statement.

Coordination between the WRD, district administrations, and disaster response teams has been stepped up to ensure public safety and continuous monitoring of river flows.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that they're taking preventive measures this time. Better to release water gradually than wait for dams to overflow. The 500 cusecs discharge seems reasonable given the inflow.
A
Arjun K
My relatives live in Kundrathur area. They've already started moving important documents and valuables to upper floors. Hope the early warning system is working properly this time! 🤞
S
Sarah B
While the preventive measures are appreciated, I wish the government had invested more in better drainage infrastructure over the years. Every monsoon we face similar situations.
V
Vikram M
The coordination between WRD and disaster response teams is crucial. Hope they have adequate boats and rescue equipment ready. People's safety should be the top priority.
K
Kavya N
At least they're being transparent with the numbers - 20.84 feet storage against 21-foot safe limit shows they're monitoring closely. Better safe than sorry! 👍

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