The Sathanur Dam in Tiruvannamalai district is currently releasing 15,000 cubic feet of water per second as the water level reaches 113.60 feet amid continuous inflow due to recent heavy rains. Earlier, the water discharge was at 9,000 cubic feet per second. The dam, with a total height of 119 feet and storage capacity utilizing close to 93.47 TMC water, has witnessed increasing water inflow from upstream catchment areas.
This surge in water release has prompted flood warnings for residents living along the Thenpennai River in Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts.
Officials have cautioned people near riverbanks to stay alert as the increased discharge has swollen the river, inundating low-lying areas and submerging causeways, affecting transportation.
The Water Resources Department and district officials are monitoring the situation closely to ensure safety and manage the flood risk amid the northeast monsoon. The Veldur dam in Villupuram district has also opened sluice gates, releasing 5,779 cubic feet of water as its water level nears capacity.
The Sathanur Dam plays a crucial role in irrigation, providing water to around 50,000 acres of farmland across multiple districts, along with supplying drinking water to nearby towns.
With monsoon rains expected to continue, authorities remain vigilant to mitigate potential flood impact downstream.