Fatal Flooding in Tamil Nadu: Schools Shut, Transport Disrupted

One person has died in the state of Tamil Nadu as heavy rains wreak havoc across four districts in the southern part of the state, namely Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari. The floods have disrupted normal life, prompting the closure of schools and various establishments. The affected areas are experiencing knee-to-waist-deep water, with rivers swollen and dams releasing water. Thiruchendur in Tuticorin District received 60 cm of rain in just 15 hours, leading to one casualty. The state has requested assistance from the Air Force for rescue missions and air-dropping of food.

Due to the torrential rains, a public holiday has been declared in the affected districts, with Chief Minister M K Stalin deploying ministers and senior bureaucrats for relief and rescue operations. The India Meteorological Department issued a warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, attributing the situation to a cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area.

Relief efforts include the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, evacuation of thousands of people to relief camps, and the mobilization of additional boats. Fishermen are advised to avoid the sea, and 4,000 police personnel have been deployed in the affected areas.

The floods come on the heels of recent flooding in Chennai and adjoining districts caused by cyclone Michuang. The impact on transportation is evident, with flights to Tuticorin diverted or canceled, and train services disrupted, partially suspended, or diverted due to washed-away tracks and suspended traffic in the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur section. The situation remains critical, and relief efforts are underway to address the challenges posed by the incessant rainfall.