Tamil Nadu is facing the brunt of monsoon’s fury, with relentless rains lashing the southern districts for over 24 hours. The downpour has brought widespread devastation, claiming four lives and leaving nearly 1,000 passengers stranded in a flooded train.
Villages and towns in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts resemble overflowing rivers, with streets submerged and houses inundated. The deluge has displaced thousands, forcing authorities to evacuate over 7,500 residents to relief camps.
The worst-hit area is Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi, which witnessed a record-breaking 96 cm of rainfall in just 24 hours. This caused massive flash floods, damaging infrastructure and disrupting essential services.
Train Passengers Stranded:
Adding to the misery, nearly 1,000 passengers onboard an express train were stranded at Srivaikuntam station since Sunday night. Floodwaters engulfed the tracks, causing cracks and making further movement impossible. Rescue efforts are hampered by the rising water levels, leaving passengers in a desperate situation.
Transport authorities are airdropping food and supplies to the stranded passengers, but evacuation remains challenging. The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like railways during extreme weather events.
Grim Situation of Tamil Nadu:
The overflowing of dams and reservoirs in the affected districts adds to the grim situation. With storage levels reaching 80-100%, authorities are forced to release excess water, potentially leading to further flooding in downstream areas.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued orange and red alerts for several districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days. This raises concerns about further casualties and prolonged disruption of normal life.
The RTO Perspective:
As road transport authorities, RTO stands ready to assist in the relief efforts wherever possible. Their teams are on high alert, working closely with local authorities to clear debris from roads, open up alternative routes, and ensure the smooth flow of essential supplies to affected areas. The RTO is also prepared to deploy additional resources, including buses and trucks, as needed to support the evacuation and relocation of stranded residents.
Immediate Action Needed:
The Tamil Nadu government has deployed emergency teams for rescue and relief operations. However, with the scale of the disaster, immediate and coordinated action from the Centre is crucial. Providing additional resources, including boats, helicopters, and medical personnel, is essential to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.
Chief Minister MK Stalin has sought an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the flood situation and request immediate assistance from the central government. With the rains showing no signs of abating, the need for coordinated rescue efforts, timely relief supplies, and long-term rehabilitation plans is paramount.
The Tamil Nadu rain fury is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our communities to extreme weather events. It also underscores the need for robust disaster management plans and investments in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such calamities.