Flood alerts issued as Poondi, Chembarambakkam reservoirs near full level

CHENNAI: Flood alerts have been issued for areas along the Cooum and Adyar rivers as the Poondi and Chembarambakkam reservoirs reached near full capacity following sustained rainfall over their catchment regions.

At Poondi, surplus discharge began around 2 am on Friday after the water level touched 33.74 ft, against the full level of 34 ft. Around 2,000 cusecs is being released into the Cooum river after a steady inflow of around 2,742 cusecs recorded since October 30.

Residents along the Cooum including Tiruvallur, Sevvapet, Putlur, Thiruverkadu, Poonamallee, Kattupakkam and Vanagaram, have been advised to remain alert. Field teams are monitoring embankments and removing obstructions to ensure smooth flow of water.

At Chembarambakkam, the level stood at 22.75 ft against the full level of 24 ft, with an inflow of about 1,200 cusecs. The storage has reached 3,240 mcft, which is around 89% of the total capacity of 3,645 mcft. With continued inflow from upstream areas in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, controlled discharge is expected once the level touches 23 ft.

Water released from the reservoir will flow through the Adyar river, and residents in Kundrathur, Tiruneermalai, Adambakkam, Ekkattuthangal and Saidapet have been asked to stay vigilant.

Rain over the past few days has also increased inflow into other city reservoirs, including Red Hills, Cholavaram and Puzhal, pushing their combined storage to nearly 90% of capacity. While the rise has eased concerns about water supply, authorities are monitoring the levels to prevent flooding if heavy rain continues.

The Metro Water board has been placed on alert to regulate storm water channels and ensure smooth discharge into major waterways.

Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to stay vigilant and may contact the control-room helpline 1070 for assistance in case of emergency.