Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts of Tamil Nadu, submerging paddy fields, roads, and bridges. IMD issued a red alert for South Tamil Nadu, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to continue on December 18.
Due to heavy rain in the Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts of the state, rice fields, roads, and bridges have been submerged, and several residential colonies are facing waterlogging. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert today, December 18, for southern Tamil Nadu. According to the IMD, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall (above 204.4 mm) continuing in southern Tamil Nadu on December 18.
Secretary Shiva Das Meena informed reporters on Monday that the rain and flooding are unprecedented, and the army, navy, and air force have been called in for assistance. Additionally, he mentioned that 84 boats have been sent for rescue and relief efforts, as reported by the PTI news agency.
He further stated that additional boats have been deployed for areas around cities like Thoothukudi, Shrivakundam, and Kayalpattinam.
Personnel from the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force, fire services, and police teams have evacuated people from heavily flooded areas and relocated them to schools and marriage halls.
Southern Railways announced the suspension of traffic between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur section due to flooding, particularly in the Shrivakundam and Sedungalloor areas. Several train services operating from southern regions have been fully canceled, some partially suspended, and some train routes have been altered.
A link road in Madurai near Ottapidaram has been completely cut off. The water level in Ozhuginchery in Kanyakumari district has risen to more than 4 feet, leading to the submersion of rice fields due to the overflowing of the Pachaiyar River.
Residential colonies such as Meenakshi Garden and Railway Colony in Nagercoil have witnessed severe flooding.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that party workers in the affected districts are assisting in ongoing relief efforts. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu mentioned that he is monitoring relief operations and is in contact with officials.
On the social media platform X, Stalin said, “Since yesterday, I have been in touch with ministers and senior government officials regarding the situation in the rain-affected southern districts and overseeing recovery and relief efforts.”
Meanwhile, Virudhunagar district has declared a holiday in schools today, and the Tamil Nadu government has announced a holiday in all schools, colleges, private institutions, banks, and financial institutions in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, and Tenkasi districts due to heavy rainfall.
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