TN Rain News LIVE: Unprecedented Rainfall Causes Chaos in Southern Tamil Nadu
Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi are witnessing unprecedented rainfall, with an announcement made regarding the amount of rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours. Due to the atmospheric circulation prevailing in the Kumari Sea and adjacent areas, rain is falling in the southern districts, including Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Thenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai. Especially in Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, and Tuticorin districts, heavy rains are continuously falling in all areas. The rain started at 2 am yesterday (December 17) and has been continuously falling for more than 24 hours.
As a result, the water bodies are full and flooded everywhere in Nellai and Tuticorin districts. Considering the situation, a public holiday has been declared for the 4 districts today. Additionally, the bus service has been halted due to waterlogging. Rescuers and sanitation workers from other districts have rushed to the flood-affected areas.
The amount of rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours is staggering, with 668 mm of rain falling in Tuticorin district. Kayalpattinam alone has recorded an unimaginable 93 cm of rain. This region has received more rainfall in a single day than the annual rainfall, marking the highest rainfall recorded in the plains in Tamil Nadu in 24 hours. Many trains have been halted midway and most train services are canceled today, leaving passengers unable to return home. People trapped in low-lying areas have been rescued and accommodated in relief camps.
In this situation, the information about the amount of rainfall in Nellai and Thoothukudi districts has been released. Mulakaraipatti received the maximum rainfall of 59 cm, with an average of 35 cm of rain falling at each location. It has been reported that 42 cm of rain has fallen in Palayangottai, 41 cm in Ambasamudra, and 40 cm in Cheranmahadevi.
The situation has also resulted in tragic consequences, with an old man dying after a house collapsed due to heavy rain near Murugan temple in Palayangottai Kulavanikarpuram. Efforts are being made to recover his body, and the incident has caused devastation in the area. The train route between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur has been cut due to heavy rain, further adding to the chaos caused by the intense weather conditions.
The impact of the heavy rains has prompted political leaders to take action, with Udhayanidhi Stalin visiting Nellai district in person to see the floods and speed up the rescue work. Additionally, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has assured the public that their safety is a top priority, promising to use the experience gained in Chennai to protect the people of the South District.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Tuticorin districts. The escalating water flow at Waigai Dam has led to a risk alert for coastal residents, prompting the government to take measures to deal with the heavy rain in affected districts.
The chaos caused by the heavy rains has brought about significant challenges, including flooded highways, waterlogged train stations, and collapsed power poles. The government has called upon its members and the public to step in and provide assistance to those affected by the floods, emphasizing the need for immediate help.
In light of the situation, Chief Secretary Sivdas Meena has given an interview outlining the government’s steps, while Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has requested DMK members from rain-affected districts to come to the field and assist the public. Additionally, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi MP has provided an emergency helpline for those in need of medicine and food, aiming to provide necessary help to those affected by the heavy rains.
The devastating impact of the heavy rains has resulted in significant challenges across Southern Tamil Nadu, prompting urgent action from government officials and public figures to address the chaos caused by the intense weather conditions.