Five people were killed in rain-related incidents in Chennai, Theni, and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu on Monday, 8 November, and over 1,400 people were moved to relief camps, as the state sees an incessant downpour since Saturday night.
Expecting more rains, a red alert has been issued for Chennai for the next two days, KKSSR Ramachandran, Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, has said.
Red alerts have also been issued for Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, and Karaikal. For Wednesday, Cuddalore, Viluppuram, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Karaikal will remain under red alert, news agency ANI reported, citing officials.
Chennai and the adjoining districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu are reeling under heavy rain and inundation, which have led to the displacement of several people.
In the state capital, many roads and by-lanes have been submerged while the authorities have disconnected power supply in several neighbourhoods in the interest of safety.
Low-lying areas of Adayar, Ashok Nagar, and Pulsarawakkam have also been affected, IANS reported.
Ramachandran on Tuesday told ANI that 538 huts had been damaged, while four houses had been fully damaged.
"More damage is expected if the rain intensifies," he said.
"Rainfall is less today, so Chennai Corporation is pumping out water from low lying areas," he told ANI.
'Heavy Rainfall Expected on Monday, Very Heavy Rainfall on Wednesday': IMD
"Heavy rainfall expected in some places today; heavy to very heavy tomorrow; extremely heavy day after. Fishermen not advised to go towards south Andhra, Tamil Nadu coast, and adjacent Sri Lanka coast, from 9 to 11 November," DDGM-Indian Meteorological Department Dr S Balachandran was quoted as saying by ANI.
Tamil Nadu received an average rainfall of 16.84 mm in last 24 hours with Chengalpet district receiving the highest, the minister added.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalkin Inspects Rain Damage, Participates in Relief Work
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday inspected rain-affected areas of Kolathur and Villivakkam in Chennai, and distributed food and relief materials to the people.
Tamil Nadu will provide free food through Amma Canteens till the spell of rain continues, Chief Minister Stalin announced on Tuesday, as per ANI.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deputed several teams to carry out rescue and relief operations in Tamil Nadu. Fifteen IAS officers have also been deputed to monitor the situation.
(With inputs from ANI, IANS and PTI.)
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