In the wake of two days of relentless rainfall and severe inundation spanning multiple districts in Tamil Nadu, emergency operations are underway with a sense of urgency. Reports indicate that the unprecedented downpour has claimed approximately 10 lives and plunged the region into chaos, stranding individuals, families, and a train full of people for days. Though Wednesday might see a reprieve from rainfall across the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow' alert specifically for Thirunelveli district.
Here are the latest updates on the situation:
- An inter-ministerial central team is set to visit Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, aiming to assess the extensive damage inflicted by the continuous rains and flooding over the past 48 hours.
- Kayalpattinam, a municipality in Tuticorin, recorded a staggering 1,192 mm of rainfall in two days, while Tiruchendur received 916 mm, marking some of the highest rainfall figures.
- Ongoing heavy rains in Tirunelveli have led to a flood-like situation, disrupting normal life. Visuals depict submerged buildings as the Tamraparni River surpassed the danger mark due to continuous rainfall.
- The Southern Railway has cancelled nearly 19 trains due to waterlogging in the rain-affected regions on Wednesday. However, there's a return to normalcy in rain traffic through Tirunelveli following the clearance of the Tirunelveli yard for train movement.
- Tragically, 10 lives have been lost in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts due to rain-related incidents, including fatalities from wall collapses and electrocution. The total toll from the unprecedented rainfall on December 17 and 18 stands at 10, causing widespread devastation in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts.
- All 800 passengers stranded in Srivaikuntam have been successfully rescued, with special arrangements made for their transportation via dedicated trains.
- TN Governor RN Ravi chaired a separate meeting involving central agencies and armed forces to evaluate the measures taken in the flood-affected areas.
- Despite a request sent to the Chief Secretary to appoint a representative, no official from the state government attended the meeting chaired by the TN Governor.
- Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi cancelled the 'Celebration of Advent Christmas' in light of the severe situation caused by heavy rains and floods in the southern districts.
- Chief Minister MK Stalin is slated to arrive in Madurai on Wednesday night, intending to tour the flood-ravaged areas, including Tuticorin, to assess the situation firsthand.
- CM MK Stalin met PM Modi on Tuesday night, submitting a request to declare the damages caused by the rains and Michaung storm as a natural calamity.
- MK Stalin emphasized that the damage from the incessant rains in the last century had not been witnessed by the state before.
- CM MK Stalin urged PM, Narendra Modi, to release ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund for livelihood support and infrastructure repair in the affected southern districts.
- Amidst the ongoing crisis, CM Stalin criticized the IMD for what he perceived as a failure to issue timely warnings about the extreme rainfall affecting the state's southern districts between Saturday and Monday.
- Despite a brief respite from rainfall, multiple forces including Disaster Response Forces, Air Force, Army, and Navy continue rescue operations in the rain-affected districts.
- An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) equipped with an onboard helicopter is vigilantly monitoring coastal areas, particularly Tuticorin, ready to respond to sea and shore emergencies.
- Both naval aircraft and helicopters, along with Indian Air Force choppers, are transporting relief supplies and aiding in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts.
- Presently, 160 relief camps are accommodating approximately 17,000 individuals, with 34,000 food packets distributed to those affected.
- Nine helicopters are actively involved in relief operations, with the possibility of an additional helicopter joining the rescue efforts, according to CM Stalin.
- To provide essential healthcare services, 133 mobile medical teams are on standby to examine individuals rescued from flood-hit areas.
- The Office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the Central Government's commitment to extend all possible aid to Tamil Nadu in response to the widespread devastation caused by the incessant rains.
- According to the Office of Defence Minister, IAF helicopters are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, underscoring the Central Government's support to Tamil Nadu.
- Defence PRO Chennai reported the continuation of relief operations, highlighting the loading of food packets and relief materials onto India Coast Guard ALH at Madurai airport.
- IAF helicopters resumed relief operations at dawn, transporting essential supplies to stranded citizens in flood-affected areas, as reported by ANI.
- Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena highlighted the involvement of around 1,343 personnel from Central and state government agencies in the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the southern districts.
- The deployment of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) facilitated the distribution of food and relief materials to 500 stranded individuals at the railway station.
- Southern Railway Chief PRO B Guganesan provided an overview of the rescue efforts at Srivaikuntam Railway Station, detailing the involvement of the Indian Air Force and NDRF in dropping supplies and initiating evacuation.
- The Southern Railways organized a special train to rescue nearly 1,000 stranded passengers at Srivakuntam railway station, equipped with medical and catering teams.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army continue their commendable efforts in rescue operations, flying missions, air-dropping relief material, and evacuating stranded individuals, including women and children.
Tamil Nadu helpline numbers:
In the face of this crisis, Tamil Nadu has established essential helplines to address various emergency needs and facilitate assistance:
- District Disaster Management Control Room: 1077 or State Disaster Management Control Room: 1070
- Fire and Rescue Services: 101 and 112
- State Minnagam Helpline for Electricity-related Complaints: 94987-94987
- Rain-related Disease Queries: 104
- Emergency Medical Services: 108
Moreover, the Tamil Nadu government has provided additional helplines for reporting damages, seeking rescue or medical assistance, or requesting relief materials through WhatsApp and social media platforms.
Read here for more details: Tamil Nadu Rainfall Top Updates: Red Alert, 3 Dead, Trains Affected Badly
Image Source: X/PTI/ANI
(With input from agencies)
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