At least 25 dead as days of heavy rain hit Tamil Nadu, India
At least 25 people were killed in various rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu, India since November 29, 2019. 17 of the victims died after a wall collapsed following a continuous heavy downpour in Coimbatore on Monday morning, December 2.
Among the fatalities were 10 women. Around 1 305 huts and 465 tiled-roof houses were damaged, while 1 000 people were evacuated to government relief centers in Tuticorin, Cuddalore, and Tirunelveli districts as the north-east monsoon intensifies.
Schools remain closed on Monday including those in the districts of Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Tuticorin, as the areas received 90 mm (3 inches) rain in the past 36 hours.
A flood alert has been issued to residents near the banks of Bhavani River in this western district of Tamil Nadu as a dam built across it has burst in the wake of torrential rains in catchment areas, officials said on Monday.
Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit expressed shock and grief, saying, "I convey my deep condolences to the bereaved members of the families."
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami also announced that financial aid will be provided to the bereaved families.
Image credit: @TOI_Coimbatore/Twitter
17 dead in Tamil Nadu rain, schools closed in Chennai, other towns
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"At present, a trough of low lies over the South-West bay of Sri Lanka and the south Tamil Nadu coast, and a low-pressure area lies over the south-east Arabian Sea. Under these influences, widespread rainfall is expected in south Tamil Nadu and scattered rainfall is expected in the northern part of the state," according to the state deputy director-general of meteorology.
According to Puviyarasan, Director, Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) Chennai, Tamil Nadu will still see heavy rainfall for the next two days.
In the past 24 hours, Thoothukkudi’s Sathankulam town had recorded 190 mm (7 inches) rainfall. Cuddalore had received 170 mm (7 inches), and Thirunelveli district got 160 mm (6 inches) of rainfall.
"Due to the low-pressure area near Lakshadweep storms could occur in the South-Eastern Arabian Sea. So, fishermen should not venture into the sea for the next few days," the RMC director said.
Tamil Nadu had received 390 mm (15 inches) of rainfall since October 1, during the north-east monsoon season.
Featured image credit: @TOI_Coimbatore/Twitter
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