Tamil Nadu: Heavy rains leave 2 dead; schools shut
Heavy rains in Chennai and its adjoining areas over the last few days have thrown life out of gear especially due to waterlogging. At least two people were also killed in rain-related incidents on Tuesday even as the northeast monsoon continues to hover over Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains and issued a fresh thunderstorm alert for the state.
Two persons killed in record rainfall
According to The Indian Express, at least two people have been killed in rain-related incidents in Chennai since Monday. Shanthi, 45, of Pulianthope died on Tuesday morning after a concrete slab collapsed on her, and Devendhiran, 52, an auto driver, was electrocuted to death near Vyasarpadi, it said. Meanwhile, the capital city received over 126.1 mm of rain within the last 24 hours.
Weathermen say rains to continue in Chennai
Heavy downpour leads to waterlogging
Rainfall was widespread in Chennai and the surrounding areas of Thiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu, prompting officials to close schools and colleges. Meanwhile, water infiltrated houses in low-lying areas of north Chennai. According to reports, city areas such as Nungambakkam, Red Hills, and Perambur received significant rain in a single day for the first time in three decades.
Watch: Video of roads in Kolathur area
Thunderstorm predicted over these areas
During the next three hours, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai forecasts moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning over Thiruvallur, Chennai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Thiruvarur, districts, and the Karaikal area. Thunderstorms and lightning with light to moderate rain are expected to occur in some other isolated locations also in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next three hours, according to RMC.
CM reviews preparedness, approves mitigation plan
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin presided over a high-level meeting on Tuesday and approved a mitigation plan for floods. The meeting was attended by several ministers, secretaries of the relevant departments, and other officials. Moreover, Chennai's civic body has set up helplines, like 1913, for reporting civic issues. Chennai residents can also reach the flood control room at 044-25619206, 044-25619207, or 044-25619208.
