Sun Dec 01 07:14:31 UTC 2024: ## Flood Alert Issued for 14 Villages Near Sathanur Dam in Tamil Nadu
**Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, December 1, 2024** – A flood alert has been issued for 14 villages along the Thenpennai river following the release of 20,000 cusecs of water from the Sathanur dam in Tiruvannamalai. The dam, nearing its full capacity of 119 feet (currently at 118.05 feet), necessitated the release, according to the Water Resources Department (WRD).
Heavy rainfall in the Kalvarayan Hills, upstream from the dam, contributed to the increased water inflow. While the immediate alert focuses on 14 villages, authorities urge all 250 downstream villages to remain vigilant due to the sustained high water flow. The WRD Assistant Engineer, K. Santhosh, stated that the dam’s full capacity is typically reached only in December.
The dam’s sluice gates were opened to discharge water into both left and right bank canals. The current storage is approximately 7,100 mcft out of a total capacity of 7,321 mcft.
Tiruvannamalai Collector D. Bhaskara Pandian has ordered residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer locations. Local officials and police are assisting with the evacuation efforts. Residents are also warned against crossing the river.
The Sathanur dam plays a crucial role in the region, providing irrigation water to 88 tanks and domestic water to over 150 villages and towns, including Chengam and Tiruvannamalai. Approximately 4 tmc of water is stored annually for irrigation purposes.
First Piper 