Tamil Nadu Braces for Extended Heavy Rains: School and Bank Closures in Four Districts Today
Posted on: 18/Dec/2023 9:37:00 AM
In response to heavy rainfall and subsequent waterlogging, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday on Monday for all schools, colleges, private institutions, banks, and financial institutions in four severely affected districts—Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi.
The relentless rainfall continued through Sunday night in the Thoothukudi district, leading to severe waterlogging in areas such as Kovilpatti, Vembar, Ettayapuram, Vilathikulam, Kalugumalai, Kayathar, Kadambar, Surangudi, and others since Sunday morning.
Approximately 40 rivers and lakes around the Kovilpatti area reached full capacity due to the heavy downpour. District Development Officer Rajesh assured that monitoring and immediate repairs are ongoing, stating, "If there is a breach in the lake, we are ready to fix it immediately."
To oversee relief work and precautionary measures in the affected districts, Tamil Nadu Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran announced the appointment of ministers and two IAS officers for each district. He highlighted the deployment of 250 State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Tenkasi districts.
Nineteen relief camps have been set up in Tirunelveli, four in Kanyakumari, two in Thoothukudi, and one in Tenkasi to accommodate the affected public. Essential items and food are being provided to those seeking refuge in the Thachanallur relief camp in Tirunelveli.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy rain in specific areas of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, and Pudukottai districts on December 18. Similar weather conditions are expected on December 19 in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram. The Met department also warns of cyclonic winds along the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and the Gulf of Mannar.
