Heavy Rainfall in Tamil Nadu Prompts Holiday Declaration for Schools in Four Districts
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a holiday for schools, colleges, private institutions, banks, and financial institutions in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, and Tenkasi districts on Monday due to heavy rainfall. The decision was made in response to the continuing downpour and the potential risks it poses to the safety of residents in these areas.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain is expected in specific regions of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi. The Thoothukudi district has already witnessed severe waterlogging as a result of the relentless rainfall. In addition, 40 lakes in the Kovilpatti area have reached their maximum capacity.
The forecast indicates that heavy rain is likely to persist in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, and Thanjavur districts of Tamil Nadu on December 18. Furthermore, on December 19, thunderstorms and lightning are expected to occur in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with heavy rain likely in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram districts.
The continuous rainfall since Sunday morning has led to overflowing rivers and lakes in Kovilpatti, Ettayapuram, Vilathikulam, Kalugumalai, Kayathar, Kadambur, Vembar, Surangudi, and other areas of Thoothukudi. Local authorities have been working diligently to address the situation, deploying sandbags and JCB machines to prevent further water damage.
Rajesh, the District Development Officer for Thoothukkudi district, provided reassurance, stating, 40 lakes in Kovilpatti Panchayat are full. Two lakes were damaged and we repaired them. We are continuously monitoring other lakes too. If there is a breach in the lake, we are ready to fix it immediately.
To prioritize the safety of residents, the Tamil Nadu government has implemented precautionary measures. KKSSR Ramachandran, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, revealed that separate ministers and two IAS officers have been appointed for the affected districts, overseeing necessary operations. Additionally, the government has deployed 250 State Disaster Response Forces and the National Disaster Response Force in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Tenkasi districts.
Relief camps have been set up in Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts to accommodate individuals affected by the heavy rainfall and ensure their well-being. Minister Ramachandran emphasized the government’s commitment, sharing, The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has advised us (the Minister and IAS officers) to be on the spot and take necessary measures to ensure people’s safety.
In addition to the above districts, Tuticorin and Tenkasi are also experiencing heavy rain, causing disruptions to daily life. The Meteorological Department has warned of cyclonic winds in the eastern coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and the Gulf of Mannar.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents are urged to stay updated on the latest weather advisories and follow any instructions or guidelines issued by the local authorities. The Tamil Nadu government remains dedicated to maintaining the safety and well-being of its citizens during these challenging times.
