Tamil Nadu Rains: The Heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu created havoc, with 62 landslides reported in the Nilgiris alone in the 24 hours. 14 people have been killed in lightning strikes since the onset of the Northeast monsoon around October 15.
Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K A Sengottaiyan on Monday confirmed that 14 people have died due to lightning strikes since the onset of the Northeast monsoon. Families of the deceased have been provided Rs 4 lakh each as compensation, he added.
On the widespread impact, the minister noted that heavy rains triggered 62 landslides in the Nilgiris district, all of which have been swiftly cleared by authorities. Tragically, a rock fell on a bus in the district, killing the driver on the spot, while the conductor sustained a fracture.
Sengottaiyan also pointed to the unpredictable nature of the monsoon's cloud movements, saying, "Pudukkottai was given a red alert expecting heavy rain, but not a single drop fell there."
Meanwhile, continuous downpour has severely disrupted daily life in Dindigul district. In the Moonjikkal-Dobikana (Topikkanal) area of Kodaikanal, over 20 houses were flooded, forcing residents to spend sleepless nights safeguarding their belongings and livestock. Local washermen, whose livelihoods depend on daily work, reported a complete halt in their routine.
Tourist Entry Into Hill Stations Banned
As a precautionary measure, the authorities have temporarily barred tourist entry into hill stations, including the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud, until the rains subside. However, locals are permitted to travel only between 6 am and 6 pm with proper authorisation passes issued by the District Collector.
Heavy Waterlogging In Coimbatore And Tiruppur
Coimbatore and Tiruppur witnessed heavy waterlogging after heavy rains battered the region. However, the authorities launched relief operations to bring normalcy. Preliminary agricultural assessments indicate that 3,500 acres of crops are currently submerged in Nagapattinam district.
(With PTI Inputs)