Kanniyakumari district gets drenched in incessant rain, as dry weather returns in three southern districts

Heavy rainfall in Kanniyakumari district leads to rising water levels, cautioning residents against potential dangers and flooding risks.

Even as heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted for the district during the weekend, the water bodies across Kanniyakumari are getting a decent influx of water thanks to the continuing widespread precipitation in the district.

The district recorded a total rainfall of 195.70 mm on Wednesday with 45 mm in Thirparappu, 35 mm in Kaliyal and 16 mm in Petchipaarai dam. It recorded a total rainfall of 310 mm on Thursday. With the overnight rainfall continuing on Thursday too, residents, who were suffering from the scorching weather for weeks together, got drenched.

Collector P.N. Sridhar has cautioned the public, especially children enjoying summer holidays, against taking bath in the steadily swelling rivers, irrigation channels and water bodies and going near the electric poles and transformers. He also advised them against entering the sea, which is expected to be rough due to the prevailing weather system.

 While the water level in Petchipaarai dam stood at 45 feet against the maximum level of 48 feet, Perunchaani dam had 47 feet against its maximum level of 77 feet. Twenty-one cusecs of water is being released from Perunchaani dam even as the influx stood at 91 cusecs on Thursday. With the rain continuing and more downpours are expected in the next few days, Mr. Sridhar has instructed the officials to monitor the water bodies closely.

 Since rain continues in the catchment areas even as both the major dams of the district have decent storage, the reservoirs may surplus within a week as the heavy to very heavy rainfall warning has been issued for Kanniyakumari district on May 18 and 19.

Rainfall in the district (in mm): Thuckalay and Chittar II – 34, Maambazhathuraiyar Dam – 30, Aanaikidangu – 28, Adaiyaamadai – 27, Kuzhithurai – 25, Kaliyal – 22, Nagercoil – 13, Chittar I – 12, Kozhiporevilai – 10, Petchipaarai Dam – 9, Bhoothapandi, Thirparappu and Mullankinaavilai – 8, Puththen Dam – 7, Perunchaani Dam – 6, Mukkdadal Dam and Aralvaimozhi – 5, Colachel and Eraniel – 4, Balamore, Kannimar – 2 and Surulacode – 1.

 Even though the Regional Meteorological Centre had issued isolated heavy rainfall warning for Thursday, there was no rain in neighbouring Tirunelveli, where it was a bright, sunny day. While Radhapuram recorded 6 mm rainfall up to Thursday 4 p.m., Manimuthar Dam had only trace – just 0.20 mm.