Heavy rains wreaked havoc in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, including Thirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi, on Sunday due to the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the Indian Ocean and Southwest Bay of Bengal, off the southern Sri Lanka coast. The incessant rainfall has killed three people and disrupted normal life the region.

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Here are the latest developments on the Tamil Nadu rains:

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for the state, predicting moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall at isolated places across various districts. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts.
  • The incessant rainfall has led to the stranding of nearly 1,000 passengers at Srivakuntam railway station, prompting the Southern Railway to suspend operations temporarily. Efforts are underway to restore traffic and evacuate stranded passengers.
  • Severe floods have impeded National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from reaching stranded passengers at the railway station. NDRF officials assure that necessary actions will be taken to address the situation.

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  • Governor RN Ravi is set to conduct a meeting on Tuesday at Raj Bhavan in Chennai with senior officials from central agencies and armed forces to assess the flood-affected districts’ situation and coordinate resources for rescue and relief operations.
  • A widespread impact on power supply, mobile phone connectivity, and public transportation has been reported across several districts. Road links have been severed due to breaches in lakes and flooding.
  • Heavy rainfall in recent days has submerged paddy fields, roads, bridges, and residential colonies. Road links were cut off in various places following breaches in lakes and flooding.
  • Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts have declared a holiday, with schools and colleges shutting down in Kanyakumari and Tenkasi.
  • The Indian Army has actively participated in evacuating people from flood-hit areas and providing essential medical assistance.
  • Chief Minister MK Stalin, currently in Delhi for the INDIA block meet, held a virtual meeting on Monday with ministers and district collectors of affected regions, urging them to intensify rescue efforts as people remain stranded in various areas.

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