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Chennai Flood Alert: Water Released from Poondi, Red Hills Amid Heavy Rains

Heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu has forced authorities to release water from key reservoirs. The Water Resources Department is discharging 900 cusecs total from Poondi and Red Hills reservoirs to prevent overflow. Low-lying areas near Chennai have been put on flood alert as the Northeast monsoon approaches. Several parts of the state recorded significant rainfall, with Ennore receiving 14 cm in 24 hours.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Releases Water from Poondi Red Hills Reservoirs

  • 700 cusecs released from Poondi reservoir into Kosasthalaiyar River
  • 200 cusecs discharged from Red Hills drinking water source
  • Flood warning issued for Vadakarai, Naravarikuppam low-lying areas
  • Water levels exceed October safety limits at 34.30 feet
2 min read

TN heavy rain: Water to be released from Poondi, Red Hills reservoirs to prevent overflow

Chennai faces flood risk as 900 cusecs released from reservoirs amid heavy rainfall. Low-lying areas warned as Northeast monsoon approaches Tamil Nadu.

"The release of excess water is a precautionary measure to prevent overflow - WRD Officials"

Chennai, Oct 15

The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) will release about 700 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from the Poondi reservoir and 200 cusecs from the Red Hills reservoir on Wednesday to manage rising inflow caused by heavy rainfall across the state.

According to WRD officials, the water from Poondi will be let into the Kosasthalaiyar River and will reach the Tamaraipakkam anicut, from where it will be diverted to the Cholavaram tank for storage.

The decision follows a surge in inflow of 2,260 cusecs from catchment areas, the Kesavaram anicut, Illupur check dam, and the Kandaleru–Poondi canal.

As per the WRD’s compendium of rules, the water level in Poondi reservoir should be maintained at 33 feet during October. However, the level now stands at 34.30 feet. The release of excess water is a precautionary measure to prevent overflow and to store surplus in the Cholavaram tank.

Officials said the Red Hills reservoir, one of the key drinking water sources for Chennai, is also filling up rapidly. The department will release water from it depending on the day’s inflow and rainfall intensity.

Meanwhile, the Tiruvallur district administration has issued a flood warning to low-lying areas, including Vadakarai, Naravarikuppam, Sadayankuppam, and Kosapur, located along the surplus course of the reservoirs.

Widespread rainfall lashed several parts of Tamil Nadu in the early hours of Wednesday under the influence of a weather system over the Bay of Bengal.

Chennai experienced intense showers as strengthening easterly winds signalled the approach of the Northeast monsoon.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said that the simultaneous withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon and the onset of the Northeast monsoon were likely by Thursday (October 16). A further update on the monsoon’s onset is expected soon.

In the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. Wednesday, Ennore in Chennai recorded 14 cm of rainfall, while Kathivakkam received 10 cm, and Manali New Town and Kodanad (Nilgiris) recorded 9 cm each.

Wimco Nagar in Chennai received 8 cm, and Sembanarkoil in Mayiladuthurai recorded 7 cm. Light to moderate showers were also reported from Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Vellore, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tirunelveli, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Ranipet, and Tiruvallur.

The wet spell is attributed to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal, moving towards the Comorin area.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Hope the water release is properly managed this time. Last year there was some flooding in low-lying areas despite warnings. The administration should ensure proper evacuation plans are in place for Vadakarai and other vulnerable villages.
S
Sarah B
As someone living near Red Hills, I appreciate the timely action. These reservoirs are crucial for Chennai's drinking water supply. Better to store excess in Cholavaram than risk damage to the main reservoirs.
A
Arjun K
Northeast monsoon is finally here! After the hot summer, this rain is such a relief. Hope it fills all our lakes and groundwater levels improve across Tamil Nadu. 🌧️💧
M
Michael C
The detailed technical information in this article is impressive - 700 cusecs from Poondi, 200 from Red Hills, specific water levels. Shows the department is monitoring things closely. Good governance in action!
K
Kavya N
While I appreciate the precautionary measures, I hope the authorities also focus on long-term solutions. Chennai needs better stormwater drainage systems and more sustainable water management strategies beyond just reservoir management.
V
Vikram M
My relatives in Tiruvallur have been alerted about possible flooding. Good that warnings are being issued in advance. Hope everyone in low-lying areas stays safe and follows the administration's instructions.

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