Madurai, Tamil Nadu: Incessant rainfall under the influence of a cyclonic circulation has wreaked havoc in four southern districts of Tamil Nadu – Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Tuticorin, and Kanyakumari – throwing life out of gear and flooding vast swathes of land.
Widespread Flooding and Disruptions:
- Flooding: Several areas, including the district collector’s office in Tirunelveli on the banks of the Thamirabarani river, are submerged. Low-lying areas across Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts are inundated, with water entering houses and leaving vehicles stranded.
- Train Cancellations: Several trains have been cancelled or diverted due to flooding in the Tirunelveli railway yard and washed away ballast on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur section. Nine trains between Tirunelveli and Sengottai have been cancelled.
- Road Closures: Roads in Tirunelveli city are submerged, bringing bus transport to a standstill.
- School Closures: Schools in Madurai and Theni districts are closed on Monday due to the heavy rain.
Relief and Rescue Efforts:
- Government Action: The Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday in the four affected districts and deployed National and State Disaster Response Force teams for relief and rescue operations. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has directed authorities to release surplus water from dams and sent ministers to oversee relief work.
- Dam Management: Dams in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts are receiving high inflow, with some exceeding 10,000 cusecs. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and releasing water as needed.
Weather Outlook:
- IMD Red Alert: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Tenkasi districts till 8.30 am on Monday, warning of isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extreme rainfall expected in one or two places.
- Cyclonic Circulation: A cyclonic circulation is seen over the Comorin area and its neighbourhood, extending up to mid-tropospheric levels, contributing to the heavy rainfall.
Current Situation:
As of Monday morning, no loss of life has been reported, but there have been instances of house collapses and trees falling in the affected region. The situation remains critical, with more rain expected until Tuesday afternoon. Over 245 relief camps are operational, and people are being moved to safety.
Nine trains have been cancelled by the Madurai railway division between Tirunelveli and Sengottai after Tirunelveli railway yard flooded:
- Train No. 06685 Tirunelveli – Sengottai Unreserved Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled
- Train No. 06642 Tirunelvlei – Nagercoil Unreserved Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled 3. Train No. 06682 Sengottai – Tirunelveli Unreserved Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled
- Train No. 06681 Tirunelveli – Sengottai Unreserved Special Journey Commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled
- Train No. 06679 Vanchimaniyachi – Tiruchendur Unreserved Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled 6. Train No. 06684 Sengottai –Tirunelveli Unreserved Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled
- Train No. 06687 Tirunelveli – Sengottai Unreserved Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled
- Train No. 06680 Tiruchendur – Vanchimaniyachi Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled
- Train No.06658 Sengottai – Tirunelveli Unreserved Special Journey commencing on 18.12.2023 is fully cancelled