Erode, Aug 1: More than 15 houses in Bhavani, Erode district, were flooded on Wednesday as the Cauvery River overflowed following a heavy discharge from the Mettur Dam. The river’s rising water levels prompted authorities to issue a flood alert, urging residents along its banks to relocate to safer areas.
The flood has particularly affected residents of Cauvery Nagar, Indira Nagar, the daily market, the old bus stand, and Palakarai. In response, the revenue department authorities, led by Bhavani Municipality Commissioner R. Mohan Kumar, swiftly evacuated families from Cauvery Street, providing them shelter in a local school. The commissioner’s quick action helped ensure the safety of those most at risk from the surging waters.
With the river’s inflow expected to increase further, fire and rescue services have intensified their vigilance, preparing rubber boats and other emergency equipment to respond to any critical situations. The authorities have also suspended tharpanam—a traditional ritual for ancestors—at Bhavani Kooduthurai due to the unsafe conditions.
Adding to the disruption, the old bridge connecting Bhavani to Kumarapalayam in Namakkal has been closed due to the high water levels. This closure forces residents to take a longer, seven-kilometer detour to reach Kumarapalayam, adding to the difficulties caused by the flooding.
The flooding in Bhavani is part of a larger concern for downstream areas of the Cauvery basin, where flood alerts remain in place. At noon on Wednesday, the entire inflow of 1.50 lakh cusecs into the Mettur Dam was released, and authorities anticipate further releases could increase to 1.75 lakh cusecs. This significant outflow is likely to exacerbate the situation in already vulnerable areas.
The sight of water gushing through the 16 sluice gates of the Mettur Dam has attracted large crowds from Salem and neighboring districts, eager to witness the dramatic scene. However, the beauty of the spectacle is overshadowed by the hardships faced by those living downstream.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, advising residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.