With the storage level crossing the crucial level of 68.50 feet at 10 a.m., the Water Resources Department (WRD) Assistant Executive Engineer (Vaigai Dam Sub-Division) has issued a second flood alert warning on Monday.

The Vaigai dam’s maximum capacity stands at 71 feet and the water is a major source used for both irrigation and drinking purposes. Five southern districts including Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram benefit from the reservoir.

Following intense rainfall along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu side, the discharge from the Mullaperiyar reservoir was 1867 cusecs since July 20. Since then, the storage level in Vaigai dam which was at 63.77 feet, rose up steadily and touched 66 feet on July 26, when the first flood warning was issued.

With 769 cusecs of water being discharged from the Vaigai dam, which is primarily used for dual purpose in Dindigul and Madurai, may be stepped up in the next few days due to widespread rainfall in the western ghats. Currently, the discharge from the Vaigai dam was at 1594 cusecs and in all probabilities, the reservoir may touch 69 feet when the third and final warning would be issued.

In the event of the maximum level reaching, the WRD authorities would release the surplus water into the river. Hence, the five District Collectors and the police officials shall monitor the rising level and take precautions, the officials added.