Tamil Nadu rain claims 3 lives, 4 districts on alert, educational institutions closed

Tamil Nadu rain: Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in southern Tamil Nadu, claiming three lives in rain-related incidents and prompting a state of alert in four districts. Governor RN Ravi will conduct a review meeting to assess the situation.

As torrential rains persist, three fatalities have been reported in southern Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi, the most severely impacted districts. Confirming the casualties, the IMD predicts continued light to moderate rainfall in parts of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

Over 39 regions in southern Tamil Nadu have witnessed exceptionally heavy rainfall, causing submersion of paddy fields, roads, and bridges. Residential areas have been inundated, disrupting normal life and severing road links due to lake breaches and flooding.

The deluge has preemptively halted electricity supply and disrupted mobile connectivity in affected areas, while public transportation remains significantly impacted.

Squally weather, with wind speeds ranging from 40-45 kilometres per hour and gusting up to 55 kilometres per hour, is anticipated along the south Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, Lakshadweep area, and the southeast Arabian Sea.

Consequently, fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea in these zones. Amidst this weather turmoil, a state of preparedness prevails, with authorities closely monitoring the situation, especially in the districts under alert, to mitigate further risks and ensure safety.

1. Rainfall Metrics: Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi district recorded the highest rainfall at 95 cm from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm on Sunday and Monday. Other areas with significant rainfall include Tiruchendur (69 cm), Srivailkuntam (62 cm), Moolaikaraipatti (62 cm), and Manjolai (55 cm).
2. Relief Operations: 7,434 people in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts were relocated to 84 relief centres. 425 disaster response team members are aiding flood-affected areas in the state.
3. District Closures: Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi declared a holiday, while schools and colleges in Kanyakumari and Tenkasi districts remained shut.
4. Reservoir Status: Major dams in southern Tamil Nadu reported storage levels between 80% and 100% after heavy rainfall. Several dams, including Manimuthar, Papanasam, Servalar, Vadakku Pachayiyar, and Nambiyar, reached maximum storage capacity.
5. Governor's Meeting: Governor RN Ravi scheduled a meeting in Chennai with central agencies and armed forces to strategize rescue efforts.
6. Relief Efforts and Distribution: State officials, led by Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena and ministers like Udhayanidhi Stalin, are overseeing relief initiatives.

Distribution of essentials, facilitated by Navy and Air Force helicopters, and 19 trucks carrying supplies en route to Thoothukudi.

- With inputs from agencies

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