Northeast monsoon causes floods in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, some snowfall in Kashmir: News Roundup (01 to 15 November 2011)

The news this fortnight has been dominated by the north-east monsoon in South India, mainly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Periyar, Vagai, Krishnarajasagar, Mettur and Chemberampakkam reservoirs have either reached full capacity or are expected to in the next few days. Areas downstream of Vagai reservoir received flood warnings.

In the cities of Tamil Nadu, heavy rains and inadequate infrastructure have led to damage to life and property, with 10 people dead in two separate incidents. 

Winter precipitation has begun in Kashmir, with the higher reaches receiving snowfall. 

Advance of the North-east monsoon

• Monsoon depression over west-central Arabian Sea intensifies: Trough of low extending from southwest Bay of Bengal to west-central Bay of Bengal persists 

Water levels in several dams increase: Some threats of flooding

• Water level in Periyar and Vaigai dams rise: This is following increased inflow since the onset of the Northeast monsoon 
• Water level in Vaigai reservoir in Tamil Nadu reaches 68.93 feet against its full capacity of 71 feet: Periyar reservoir level reaches 133.30 against its capacity of 136 feet
• First flood warning for five districts in downstream Vaigai dam in Tamil Nadu to be issued: As water level in the reservoir steadily going up  
• Third flood alert sounded along Vagai river in Tamil Nadu as it is full spate: People along the low-lying areas asked to shift to safe places 
• Krishnarajasagar reservoir in Mysore in Karnataka reaches it maximum capacity of 124 feet for the second time this year: This is following heavy rains in the catchment area of Bhagamandala 
• Active northeast moonsoon leads to increase in water level at Idukki reservoir in Kerala: This is following good rains in the catchment area
• The water level in Mettur Dam cross 100 feet mark: It is expected to reach its full capacity of 120 feet in the next few days if it continues to rain
• Flood threat in the Vaigai reservoir in Tamil Nadu abates: This is following no rainfall in the catchment area
• Chembarampakkam reservoir in Tamil Nadu gets more inflow: The quantum of surplus water being let out from the city reservoirs reduces as rains have abated in the past two days 

Heavy rains in Tamil Nadu

• Heavy rains continues to lash parts of Tamil Nadu: Northeast monsoon remains active over the state
• Rain water inundates salt plans in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, halts salt production  
• Incessant rains lash Madurai in Tamil Nadu: Three people killed and several houses damaged due to rain in Theni and Tirunelveli 
• Rains lash Chennai in Tamil Nadu: Brings traffic to a standstill in the city
• Heavy rains continues to lash parts of Tamil Nadu: North east monsoon continues to be active in the state 
• Flash floods in Tirupur in Tamil Nadu: 7 people living along the banks of Noyyal River dead in this incident 
• Heavy rains lashe Erode in Tamil Nadu: The Lower Bhavani canal breaches 

Snowfall in Kashmir

• Higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley receives snowfall: Some parts of the region records light to moderate rains according to MeT department official