1. Southern Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi, experienced heavy rainfall.
2. A red alert was issued for these areas due to cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area, extending to mid-tropospheric levels.
3. The inclement weather led to the closure of educational institutions and disruption of train services in the affected districts.
Chennai, Dec 18: Heavy rainfall affected southern Tamil Nadu, particularly in the districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi. A red alert was issued for these areas as cyclonic circulation prevailed over the Comorin area, extending to mid-tropospheric levels.
- The four districts experienced heavy rainfall leading to waterlogging and disruptions in various areas.
- Educational institutions were closed on Monday due to inclement weather.
- Several trains were either fully or partially cancelled due to flooding in train yards and submerged rail tracks.
Government Response and Relief Measures
The Tamil Nadu government took swift action to address the situation caused by heavy rainfall in the affected districts.
- Ministers were dispatched to the four districts to oversee relief work and ensure preventive measures were in place.
- Four senior IAS officers were appointed to expedite relief work and coordinate with all relevant departments.
- Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena held a meeting with district collectors over video conferencing to discuss preventive steps.
Deployment of Disaster Management Teams
The state deployed disaster management teams and issued advisories to residents in vulnerable areas.
- Three state disaster management teams were deployed in Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli.
- Advisories were issued to people in low-lying areas and those residing near reservoirs.
- Private companies were instructed to operate with essential staff only.
Train Disruptions
Heavy rainfall affected rail services, leading to cancellations and partial cancellations of several trains.
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Fully Cancelled Trains:
- Tirunelveli–Tiruchendur Unreserved Special
- Tiruchendur–Tirunelveli Unreserved Special
- Tiruchendur–Tirunelveli Unreserved Special
- Tirunelveli–Tiruchendur Unreserved Special
- Tirunelveli–Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express
- Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli Vande Bharat Express
- Tirunelveli–Jamnagar Express
- Tiruchendur–Palakkad Express
- Vanchi Maniyachi–Tuticorin Unreserved Special
- Tuticorin–Vanchi Maniyachi Unreserved Special
- Tirunelveli–Tuticorin Unreserved Special
- Tuticorin–Tirunelveli Unreserved Special
Partially Cancelled Trains:
- Tiruchendur–Chennai Egmore Express (between Srivaikuntam and Chennai, Egmore)
- Chennai Egmore–Tiruchendur Express (between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur, short-terminated at Tirunelveli)
- Vanchi Maniyachi–Tuticorin Unreserved Special (between Tuti Melur Halt and Tuticorin)
- Tuticorin–Vanchi Maniyachi Unreserved Special (between Tuticorin and Milavitan)
- Chennai Egmore–Tuticorin Pearl City Express (between Kovilpati and Tuticorin)
Relief Measures and Evacuation
The state government set up relief camps and evacuated people from vulnerable areas, providing food and accommodation.
- 19 camps were established in Tirunelveli district, four in Kanyakumari district, two in Thoothukudi district, and one in Tenkasi district.
- Disaster response forces were deployed in the affected districts to carry out relief work and ensure the safety of the evacuated population.
- Food was provided to people in relief camps as part of the state government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.
