The Mettur Dam in Salem district of Tamil Nadu is witnessing a critical situation as the water level has surged due to relentless rainfall in the upstream catchment areas of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. With the dam reaching its near-full capacity, authorities have taken the precautionary measure of opening the shutters to release excess water into the Cauvery River, triggering flood warnings in several downstream regions.
Over the past few days, continuous rains in the Western Ghats and the Cauvery basin have led to a sharp increase in inflow into the Mettur reservoir. Officials confirmed that the inflow had crossed the dam’s safe threshold, compelling the Public Works Department to open multiple shutters early this morning. As a result, tens of thousands of cusecs of water are being discharged into the river.
Residents of low-lying areas in Salem, Erode, Trichy, and downstream parts of the delta region have been issued flood alerts. The district administrations are urging people, especially those living near riverbanks, to evacuate and move to higher ground. Temporary shelters have been set up in safer zones, and emergency services have been put on standby to handle any crisis.
Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Authority officials are working round the clock with local revenue and police departments to ensure timely communication and support for affected populations. Boat rescue teams, medical units, and food supply arrangements have been mobilized. Schools and colleges in vulnerable areas have been declared closed until further notice.
Farmers in the Cauvery delta have expressed concern about possible crop damage due to the sudden rise in water levels. Paddy fields in the low-lying areas are under threat of submergence if the outflow continues at the current rate. Agricultural officers are assessing the impact and preparing mitigation plans to help affected farmers.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is being briefed regularly on the situation. In a press statement, government officials urged the public not to panic and to follow official instructions issued through media and local authorities. Helplines have been activated in all concerned districts for emergency assistance.
The Meteorological Department has predicted continued rainfall in the catchment areas for the next few days, which may lead to sustained high inflow into the dam. People are advised to avoid traveling along riverbanks and not to attempt crossing flooded areas. Fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into rivers or nearby water bodies.
Authorities have assured that all steps are being taken to manage the dam water levels and protect lives and property. Regular updates will be provided to the public through official bulletins.
The situation remains tense, and close coordination between state agencies and district administrations is underway to minimize the impact of this developing flood scenario.
