WATCH: Rain submerges Tamil Nadu; people asked move to safer places immediately

Incessant rain continues to lash Tamil Nadu, leaving most part of the state submerged in water and forcing government to declare a holiday for all schools, colleges and banks in four districts – Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi.

Red alert in Tamil Nadu

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Monday issued ‘Red’ alert for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tiruvaneli and Kanyakumari districts.

“For next 24 hours, ‘Red’ alert to continue for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tiruvaneli and Kanyakumari districts,” S Balachandran, Director of Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre said.

#WATCH | On Tamil Nadu rains, S Balachandran, Director of Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre says, “For next 24 hours, ‘Red’ alert to continue for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tiruvaneli and Kanyakumari districts….” pic.twitter.com/FOzyw5bviz

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

“Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls (above 204.4 mm) is likely to continue over South Tamil Nadu on 18 December," IMD said.

#RedAlert

Heavy to Very Heavy with Extremely heavy falls (above 204.4 mm) likely to continue over South Tamil Nadu on 18th December. pic.twitter.com/6kscTI0j2A

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 18, 2023

Heavy rain alert

The IMD has also issued a “heavy rain alert” for Tamil Nadu for the next seven days.

Visuals of waterlogging in Thoothukudi

#WATCH | Incessant rainfall leads to severe waterlogging in several parts of Tamil Nadu

(Visuals from Thoothukudi) pic.twitter.com/pGmpPJDXR2

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

The weather officer has also issued a warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on Monday as a cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area is exacerbating.

Tamil Nadu rain claims one life

One person has reportedly died in Tuticorin. Meanwhile, the state has requested for help from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy in the rescue mission as well as assisting in making aid reach out to the people in the affected region.

500 passengers stuck at railway station in Tamil Nadu

As per reports, nearly 500 passengers were stuck at a railway station in Tuticorin district's Srivaikuntam. The station was submerged in water on all sides and tracks were damaged, restricting the movement of trains.

A report by PTI quoted sources saying that due to flooding, approximately 800 train passengers stranded in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.

Southern Railway said train traffic has been suspended in the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur section, between Srivaikuntam and Seydunganallur, as 'the ballast' has been washed away and the track is 'hanging' and water is flowing over the railway tracks.

Several train services operated via the southern regions have been fully cancelled, some partially suspended and some trains have been diverted.

CM MK Stalin seeks appointment from PM Modi

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his appointment on December 19 to discuss issues related to relief and rescue measures, allocation of flood relief funds for the state following Michaung Cyclone's effect on Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and ongoing floods in South Tamil Nadu.

Earlier in the day, DMK MP K Kanimozhi and Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Geetha Jeevan took stock of the flood situation in Thoothukudi.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: DMK MP K Kanimozhi & Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Geetha Jeevan took stock of the flood situation in Thoothukudi. pic.twitter.com/YZ6Svhwv4k

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

People asked to move to safer places

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said people have been asked to move to safer places from the banks of the river.

"People require essential commodities in advance, so in case of need immediately, we should reach out to the people and provide relief. So adequate progressionary measures were taken,” Meena said.

Drone visuals from Thoothukudi

#WATCH | Incessant rainfall leads to severe waterlogging in parts of Tamil Nadu

(Drone visuals from Thoothukudi) pic.twitter.com/PnLnRwD483

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

“Started the evacuation process and opened relief centres for the people. So adequate preventive measures were taken by the government and the relief and rescue operations continued by the state on a war footing. This is an unprecedented situation,” he added.

#WATCH | Chennai: On relief & rescue measures taken by the government, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena says, "People require essential commodities in advance, so in case of need immediately, we should reach out to the people and provide relief. So adequate… pic.twitter.com/3QcbH5DstS

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

Evacuation underway in Tamil Nadu

Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams comprising 50 members each have rushed to Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts. Also three State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in Kanyakumari district.

Additional boats have been mobilised for regions such as Thoothukudi and the nearby towns of Srivaikundam and Kayalpattinam.

As many as 7,300 people were evacuated and housed in 84 relief camps. Through the Common Alert Protocol, SMS alerts were sent to 62 lakh people.

With inputs from agencies