Extremely heavy monsoon rains in Tamil Nadu lead to fatal flooding, significant livestock losses, India

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena reported that heavy rainfall and floods in parts of the state have resulted in 10 deaths and significant livestock losses.

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena announced on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, that unprecedented rains and resulting floods in the state’s southern districts have led to 10 deaths. The affected areas include Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, and Tenkasi districts. Additionally, significant livestock losses were reported, including 26 buffaloes, 297 goats, 110 calves, and 29 500 chickens.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that some parts of Tamil Nadu registered an astonishing 950 mm (37 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours, ending on December 18. The IMD has issued a red alert for the region, citing a cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area and heavy clouding over southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

This monsoon season has seen Thirunelveli district receiving 760 mm (29.9 inches) of rainfall, 61 percent above the normal level, while Thoothukudi recorded normal rainfall of 349 mm (13.7 inches) since October.

In Kerala, districts like Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram also experienced heavy rainfall. Tamil Nadu and Kerala typically receive a significant amount of their annual rainfall during the winter monsoon months from October to December.

References:

¹ 10 dead after record rain in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts – The Hindu – December 19, 2023

Featured image credit: WION (stillshot)