Southern Tamil Nadu grappled with severe rainfall as a cyclonic circulation brought about deluges across various districts, most notably inundating areas in Kanyakumari. Chief Minister M K Stalin swiftly directed the release of surplus water into the Kannadian channel, initiating a dry run for a significant river-linking project in the region.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reported a cyclonic circulation hovering over the Comorin area and neighboring regions, extending up to mid-tropospheric levels, contributing to the intense downpour.
Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts bore the brunt of heavy rains on Sunday, with certain areas experiencing exceptionally heavy rainfall. Continuous light to moderate showers since Saturday submerged low-lying regions, prompting swift action as reservoirs filled rapidly, necessitating the release of excess water.
Inundation forced authorities to declare holidays for schools and colleges across affected areas, with Disaster Response Force teams deployed for aid. Evacuations from flooded zones to relief centers were organized by local authorities and police.
CM M K Stalin’s directive for releasing surplus water into the Kannadian channel aims to channelize floodwater into arid regions of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, offering relief to farmers. This strategic release aligns with the nearing completion of the Thamirabarani, Karumeniyaru, and Nambiyaru river-linking project.
December 16 witnessed a cyclonic circulation in the lower tropospheric levels over the equatorial Indian Ocean, followed by heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tirunelveli. Isolated heavy rain also impacted districts like Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam. Notably, Tirunelveli’s Nalumukku area recorded the highest rainfall at 19 cm during this period.
The RMC’s forecast for Monday signals the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in select locations of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi, with light to moderate rain anticipated across numerous areas in southern Tamil Nadu.
As the region grapples with relentless rainfall, government agencies remain on high alert, orchestrating evacuation efforts and relief measures while continuing to monitor the situation closely amidst the forecast for further downpour in the coming days.
Sources By Agencies