Chennai: In Tamil Nadu, heavy rains have inundated many areas across four southern districts of Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari. Everyday life have been disrupted on Monday, NDTV reported.
Tuticorin's Thirchendur district witnessed 60 cm rainfall in 15 hours until 1 am last night. When Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli recorded 26, Kanyakumari recorded 17.3.
The state has declared a public holiday in the affected districts as torrential rain washes them. Schools, colleges, banks, private establishments and public firms will remain closed.
In Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari districts, pocket areas were submerged by Knee-to-waist-deep water after the Papanasam, Perunjani and Pechuparai dams started releasing water. As the Thamaraparani river was flooding, the district collectors were asked to ensure proper water management in dams.
A warning has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting extreme rainfall for Monday as well. There is cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area, which is aggravating the state's situation.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister MK Stalin empowered rescue operations by deploying ministers and bureaucrats to monitor affected districts. The CM advised district collectors to keep relief centres and rescue boats prepared and to evacuate people early if needed.
In Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams of 50 personnel each were deployed, and three State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were deployed in Kanyakumari. Also, 4,000 police personnel were stationed in the affected districts.
Fishermen were advised not to enter the sea at any cost since there are winds at speeds ranging from 40 to 50 km.
The current floods were when Chennai and three other districts were recovering from the destructions of heavy rains during cyclone Michuang, which hit the state two weeks ago.
Flights bound for Tuticorin were diverted or cancelled, while trains, including Vande Bharat from and to Tirunelveli, were fully or partially cancelled.