Southern Tamil Nadu is facing a severe flood situation as torrential rain continues to lash the region for the second day. Several villages, towns, roads and highways have been submerged in water, affecting the normal life and transport services. The airport and railway stations in Tuticorin have been closed due to waterlogging, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
The state government has shifted over 7,000 people from the low-lying areas of Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari districts to 84 relief centres. A total of 425 disaster response team members have been deployed to assist the rescue and relief operations. Chief Minister MK Stalin has deputed four ministers to oversee the situation and requested an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek financial assistance.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Kayalpattinam in Tuticorin district recorded the highest rainfall of 95 cm, followed by Tiruchendur with 69 cm. Many other places registered rainfall above 50 cm, causing rivers and dams to overflow. The IMD has predicted more heavy rain in the next 24 hours and issued a red alert for the four districts.
The heavy rain in southern Tamil Nadu comes after the state capital Chennai was battered by Cyclone Michaung last week, which claimed 14 lives and damaged several properties. The Chief Minister has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to those injured. He has also sought Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre for the relief and rehabilitation work in Chennai.
