Tamil Nadu: Mettur Dam reaches full capacity for 7th time; flood warning issued along Cauvery River

SALEM: The water level at Mettur Dam reached 120 feet on Monday. With an inflow of 20,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs), the dam has filled for the seventh time this year. Due to the excess water being released, officials from the Revenue Department have advised residents in low-lying areas to move to safer locations.

Alerts were also broadcast through loudspeakers. The southwest monsoon has caused significant water inflow into Mettur Dam from the Kabini and Krishnaraja Sagar dams in Karnataka, as well as from the Cauvery River’s catchment areas. Mettur Dam previously filled on June 29, July 5, July 20, July 25, August 20, and September 2. As the dam has reached its full capacity, excess water is being released through the 16-vent Ellis Saddle surplus sluices.

"As a result, residents in low-lying areas along the canal banks are advised to relocate to safer areas, avoid bathing or washing clothes in floodwaters, and refrain from taking selfies or bathing livestock," said an official from the Water Resources Department.

Currently, the water level of Mettur Dam is at 120 feet, with a water reserve of 93.47 TMC ft. The dam is receiving an inflow of 20,000 cusecs, with the same volume being discharged downstream. Additionally, water is being released at a rate of 800 cusecs through the upper sluice gates for drinking water purposes.