Chennai, Tamil Nadu: In response to persistent rainfall in Chennai, the authorities opened the sluice gates of the Red Hills reservoir on Wednesday, releasing 200 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water. This decision came as the city continued to experience substantial precipitation.

The overflow of rainwater prompted the release of 200 cubic feet of surplus water at 10 am from Chembarambakkam Lake, a critical source of drinking water for Chennai.

In light of the rising water levels, a flood warning has been issued for low-lying areas and six villages situated along the Adyar River. The release of water from the Chembarambakkam Lake added to concerns about potential inundation in these areas.

The recent heavy rainfall across several parts of Tamil Nadu has disrupted the daily routines of residents and caused significant disruptions in transportation services, impacting trains, flights, and bus routes.

Kanchipuram district, experiencing weather fluctuations and a low depression, has been subject to intermittent rainfall ranging from light to heavy over the past ten days. Consequently, the district administration has issued flood warnings to residents in low-lying areas adjacent to the Adyar River, encompassing Sirukalathur, Kavanur, Kunradthur, Wayampedu, Tiruneermalai, and the vicinity of Adyar River near the Chembarambakkam Lake in the Kunradthur area of Kanchipuram district.

The Chembarambakkam Lake, currently holding 22.29 feet of water out of its 24-foot capacity, has a total capacity of 3.645 TMC. Presently, it retains a water reserve of 3.195 TMC, with an inflow of 452 cubic feet of water and an outflow of 163 cubic feet of water.

Among the 381 lakes managed by the Public Works Department in Kanchipuram district, 45 have reached their full capacity, while 35 lakes have attained 75 percent of their water-holding capacity. Additionally, in the Palaru sub-drainage area, comprising Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts, out of 102 lakes, 173 have reached their maximum capacity, and 220 lakes have achieved 75 percent water availability.

As of the latest reports, Kanchipuram district has not experienced any rainfall this morning. The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rainfall in a few places, with thunderstorms and lightning expected in one or two locations across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal for the next two to three days..

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