DMK MP Kanimozhi, suspended from Parliament on 14 December for the remainder of the Winter Session, was actively involved in relief measures.
Published Dec 18, 2023 | 3:32 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 18, 2023 | 4:35 PM
Thoothukudi inundated by continuous heavy rainfall. (Screengrab)
Rains of unprecedented proportions battered Thoothukudi district in southern Tamil Nadu, with Kayalpattinam registering a staggering 95 cm, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday, 18 December.
The met office is trying to confirm if the 95 cm rainfall is a record of sorts.
The temple town of Tiruchendur was not spared either, experiencing extremely heavy rainfall ranging between 62 cm and 69 cm.
Other areas grappling with the deluge include Manjolai in Tirunelveli district, where rainfall reached 55 cm, and Gundar Dam in Tenkasi district, recording 51 cm. Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai near Tirunelveli also reported substantial rainfall, with figures standing at 30 cm and 44 cm, respectively.
South Tamil Nadu received Isolated
Extremely to Exceptionally heavy rainfall during 0830 IST of 17.12.2023 to 0830 IST of 18.12.2023 pic.twitter.com/yfE2j2I8uh— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 18, 2023
Amid the crisis, political figures have stepped into action, with DMK Minister Geetha Jeevan and suspended Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi seen on the ground in Thoothukudi.
Kanimozhi represents the Thoothukkudi constituency in the Lok Sabha.
Suspended on 14 December in the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Winter Session, she was actively involved in addressing the challenges posed by the rains.
VIDEO | DMK MP @KanimozhiDMK takes stock of the situation in Thoothukudi amid incessant rainfall in the region. pic.twitter.com/oRTMYpLEcX
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2023
Additionally, the Tamil Nadu BJP unit has set up “Modi Kitchens” for distributing food to the people. BJP state chief K Annamalai said that once the rains abate, the party will also take up rehabilitation work.
VIDEO | "Southern Tamil Nadu is battered by heavy rainfall. So we have advised our BJP cadres to actively involve themselves in the rescue work. They have also opened 'Modi Kitchens' for distributing food to the people. Once rains start abating down, we will also do… pic.twitter.com/Z59sihA4bV
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2023
In the meanwhile, Chief Minister MK Stalin has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Modi to discuss rain and the floods in South Tamil Nadu.
In order to deliberate on the extremely heavy rainfall and flooding in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, related damage and relief and rescue initiatives, Stalin has written to Modi seeking his appointment on Tuesday, an official release said.
It is also to discuss expeditious release of Union government funds to the state to tackle damage due to the recent rains in Chennai and nearby districts.
The relentless downpour unfolded over 24 hours, spanning from December 17 (8:30 am) to December 18 (8:30 am).
The rains have not only led to the complete inundation of the Thoothukudi Collectorate but also a sudden breach of the Korampallam tank in the district, adding to the woes of the already waterlogged region.
