Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli saw heavy flow of water on Friday following rain in the Western Ghats.
| Photo Credit: SHAIKMOHIDEEN A
The New Year 2026 began on a wet note in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts, as widespread rainfall lashed several regions, including the catchment areas.
In Tenkasi, the month of December was mostly dry and was marked by high daytime temperatures and heavy dewfall during night. However, since Thursday night, the district has been experiencing heavy rain in several places. Areas along the Western Ghats and catchment zones received continuous downpour until Friday morning, leading to rise in water level in major reservoirs.
The water level in Gadananathi dam stood at 84.30 feet, close to its maximum capacity of 85 feet. The dam received an inflow of 1265 cusecs and discharged 419 cusecs of water. Ramanathi dam, reported a water level of 72.75 feet, against its full reservoir level 84 feet, with an inflow of 312 cusecs and a discharge of 35 cusecs.
Due to intense rainfall, Narayanaperi kulam near Vasudevanallur reached full capacity and overflowed through its surplus channel. However the encroachments along the waterway obstructed the natural flow, forcing water to spill out of the canal and enter households in Sinthamaniperipudhur village, leading to rainwater stagnation on houses and roads.
Disturbed by the situation, affected residents staged a road blockade on Tirumangalam-Kollam national highway, causing major traffic disruption in the area and hardship for commuters.
Upon receiving information, police and revenue department officials rushed to the spot and held talks with the public. Officials assured the protestors that appropriate action would be taken regarding their demands.
Traffic in the area gradually returned and vehicle movement was fully restored after three hours.
Owing to heavy rainfall bathing was banned at Courtallam water falls
Tirunelveli district also witnessed widespread rainfall, with regions adjacent to the Western Ghats receiving moderate to intense rainfall throughout the night.
Published – January 02, 2026 06:31 pm IST
