Tamil Nadu rain: Continuing heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu has led to the closure of schools and colleges in Thirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Thuthukudi districts. The downpour has caused devastation, resulting in a tragic toll of 10 lives in the southern districts over the past two days, as revealed by Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena on Tuesday.
Meena emphasised the unpredictability of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast, citing its inaccuracy as areas were inundated by extremely heavy rainfall within a short span. "Ten individuals have lost their lives in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts due to the rain. Collapsed walls and electrocution have been reported as causes," Meena informed reporters at the Secretariat.
_2b412d2235e433578718cedd04f3998e_1280X720_ab911c02eaa2f8bf9824bbbf6132118f_1280X720_c11a7a14e677a8f821bafa0200e968ff_1280X720.webp)
Providing an overview of the situation, Tirunelveli District Collector KP Karthikeyan stated, "The total casualties reported stand at nine..." In response to the relentless downpour, educational institutions in Thirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Thuthukudi districts have been declared closed.
Heavy rainfall also disrupted train services in the affected areas. The Southern Railway announced the cancellation and partial cancellation of various train services, including the Nagercoil-Kanniyakumari Exp Spl and Nagercoil-Tirunelveli Exp Spl.
Floods persist in several regions, prompting ongoing rescue and relief efforts by authorities to aid affected communities.
Tamil Nadu appeals for national calamity declaration: MK Stalin's urgent plea to PM Modi
- Historic Devastation Unleashed: Chief Minister MK Stalin of Tamil Nadu has made a pressing plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the declaration of the recent destruction brought about by the Michaung storm and severe rainfall in the southern districts as a national calamity. In a meeting with PM Modi, Stalin presented a request petition seeking immediate disaster relief funding to address the unprecedented damage.
- Unprecedented Catastrophe: Stalin highlighted the unparalleled magnitude of destruction caused by the relentless rainfall, labeling it as the worst in a century for the southern districts. He stressed the urgency of financial assistance required to revive livelihoods and restore vital public infrastructure decimated by the recent flooding. "As an immediate measure, I am seeking funds from the National Disaster Fund. Tamil Nadu has been grappling with back-to-back disasters, and I implore the Prime Minister to expedite the release of these funds," remarked CM MK Stalin.
- Urgent Financial Aid Sought: Stalin specifically outlined the financial requirements, indicating a need for Rs 7,300 crore for immediate relief efforts and Rs 12,000 crore for permanent restoration. He disclosed that the state government had already initiated a relief package of Rs 6,000 for the affected populace, awaiting the allocated relief fund from the Prime Minister's office to complete the relief operations comprehensively. "Thirunelveli and Thuthukudi districts have borne the brunt of severe rainfall. Kayalpatnam recorded an alarming 94cm of rainfall," added Chief Minister MK Stalin.
- Swift Response and Rescue: Elaborating on the precautionary actions taken, Stalin highlighted the swift deployment of resources, including eight ministers, 10 IAS officers, 15 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. Additionally, 230 SDRF-trained personnel have been actively involved in rescue operations. Over 12,500 individuals have been rescued and sheltered in 143 relief centers. To aid inundated areas, food distribution via helicopters has been implemented. Continuous monitoring by the Chief Secretary and direct engagement with district officials signifies the government's focused efforts in managing this crisis, as emphasized by MK Stalin.
- PTC NEWS
