A flood alert has been sounded in Mettupalayam and nearby areas in Coimbatore, as the Bhavani river is expected to be in spate, following the release of surplus water from Pilloor dam.

People living in the low lying areas and on the banks of the river at places like Mettupalayam, Sirumugai, and Alankombu, have been asked to move to safer places, in order to avoid the flood waters.

Water inflow in the Pilloor dam was increasing, following heavy rains in catchment areas like Attapatti, Avalanji, and in Kerala for the last few days. The storage level of the 100-foot dam has increased by four feet during the rains and inflow is said to be nearly 3,500 cft, increasing the storage level to 85 feet. With hydel project in operations, the water discharge is 6,000 cft, which resulted in Bhavani river in spate.

The district administration has sounded a flood alert and residents have been asked to move to safer places.