Rural areas affected by the release of water from Sathanur, Veedur Dams in T.N.

Residents look on as Sankaraparani river overflows at Villianur in Puducherry on Monday.
| Photo Credit: KUMAR SS

The opening of Sathanur dam in the Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu on Monday led to a flood-like situation in the rural villages of Bahour, Arachikuppam, Sooriankuppam, Manamedu and Irulansanthai.

The District Administration has deployed the Army unit, NDRF teams and Puducherry Fire and Rescue Service personnel in the rural areas for evacuation and rescue, said a Revenue official.

“Water started entering these villages after the dam shutters were opened. We are trying to evacuate people from these villages but residents hesitate to move out of their homes. Still, we have shifted about 300 people from Arachikuppam. We have requested one more unit of the Army. They are expected to arrive by Monday night,” the official said.

Opening the shutters of Sathanur Dam has caused the water level in Thenpennaiyar to rise to an alarming level.

The water level in Sankaraparani River has also increased due to the release of water from Veedur Dam in Villupuram district.

The opening of both the dams in Tamil Nadu has its impact in the rural areas of Puducherry, the official added.