Some parts of southern districts experienced unexpected showers on Wednesday that brought down the temperature and also brought cheers to farmers.
Showers for the past two days provided respite from the scorching heat experienced by residents Catchment areas of Chitrar I registered the maximum rainfall of 64.2 mm till 8 a.m. on Wednesday, sources in the PWD said.
Rain with heavy wind, accompanied by lightning, lashed Eraniel, Aralvoimozhi and Thuckalay. A coconut tree in Edalakkudi caught fire after it was hit by lightning. Roadside trees were uprooted in Thiruvattar and Boothapandi affecting traffic for some time on Tuesday. Drizzle was reported in many parts of the district on Wednesday afternoon.
The showers brought cheer to farmers and local body officials heaved a sigh of relief in Dindigul district.
Kodaiakanal and Dindigul received moderate showers on Tuesday night. The hill station and Vedasandur experienced downpour on Wednesday evening also. Water stagnated in low-lying areas of Dindigul.
Already, residents of Dindigul have started to experience water shortage. Officials of Dindigul Corporation are worried that failure of rainfall will further worsen the situation. Residents of ward 32 picketed road in Dindigul on Wednesday, condemning absence of water supply for the past 15 days. Residents of RM Colony too picketed RM Colony Main Road with empty pots.
Some parts of Theni district received minor showers that would help farmers to prepare the land for the next season.
Rainfall registered till 8 a.m. on Wednesday (in mm) in Kanyakumari district: Chitrar I 64.2, Anaikidangu 32, Chirtrar II 27.4, Kannimar 17.2, Pechiparai 16.2, Eraniel 13.2, Boothapandi 9.1, Aralvoimozhi 6.2, Thirparappu 5.8, Adayamadai 4, Colachel 3.6.
Water level in important dams : Pechiparai 27.3 feet, Perunchani 61.10, Chitrar I 5.18, Chitrar II 5.28, Poigai 10.5 and Mambalathurai 50.94Total rainfall recorded in Dindigul district was 50.94 mm and the average rain 5.09 mm. Kodaikanal Boat Club recorded 21 mm rain, Kodaikanal Observatory 18.06 and Dindigul 11.88 mm.
Despite minor showers in Periyar dam, inflow into the dam was 250 cusecs. Water level stood at 112.3 feet and the discharge was 250 cusecs. Vaigai dam had 34.97 feet of water with an inflow of 76 cusecs and the discharge was 60 cusecs. Rainfall in Periyar dam was 12 mm. and Thekkadi 3.4 mm.
