Coimbatore: "As heavy rains continue to lash the Nilgiris district, the inflow of water from Avalanche, Emerald and Ketti to Pillur Dam is expected to increase overnight. The excess water from Pillur will be released into the Bhavani river, owing to which the present floods are expected to worsen. Hence, people living along the banks of the river and low-lying areas are requested to evacuate immediately to relief camps," said Suresh, Divisional Revenue Officer, late Thursday evening.
Coimbatore: "As heavy rains continue to lash the Nilgiris district, the inflow of water from Avalanche, Emerald and Ketti to Pillur Dam is expected to increase overnight. The excess water from Pillur will be released into the Bhavani river, owing to which the present floods are expected to worsen. Hence, people living along the banks of the river and low-lying areas are requested to evacuate immediately to relief camps," said Suresh, Divisional Revenue Officer, late Thursday evening.
He further added that people accommodated in the five relief camps in Mettupalayam and adjoining areas are being provided with food and necessary amenities.
"So far, over 100 homes along the Bhavani river near Mettupalayam have been washed away. With rains predicted to aggravate in the next two days, the flood scenario will worsen causing more devastation. The officials and rescue team are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety," he added.
Inflow of water which was 6000 cubic feet per second gradually rose to 13,000 and later to 20,000 at Pillur. For safety reasons, presently 70,000 cubic feet of water is being released into the Bhavani river like never before in history.
A team of officials from the Revenue Department, District administration and police have camped in Mettupalayam to discuss relief and safety measures. Villages in Mettupalayam, Alankombu and Sirumugai are being monitored and public have been warned to stay away from venturing into the river.
Several hundreds of public gathered in large numbers in Mettupalayam to excitedly click pictures of the Bhavani river gushing with flood waters.