Moderate to heavy rainfall across delta districts, relief measures underway

Delta districts face heavy rainfall, prompting coordinated efforts to mitigate damages, with NDRF teams deployed for rescue operations.

Delta districts recorded moderate to heavy rainfall, prompting district administrations to coordinate on a war footing with various agencies to mitigate possible rain damages. Paddy inundation has been reported in low-lying areas.

In Mayiladuthurai district, Sirkazhi taluk recorded 4.3 cm of rain, Sembanarkoil 3.9 cm, and Tharangambadi 3.2 cm between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been deployed in Sirkazhi, with Collector A.P. Mahabharathi inspecting ongoing rainwater removal efforts. A 30-member NDRF team led by Inspector Deepak Kumar from Arakkonam has been stationed at Sirkazhi, with officials reviewing rescue equipment and requirements.

In Nagapattinam district, Kilvelur recorded 5.3 cm of rainfall, Nagapattinam taluk 4.6 cm, Thirukkuvalai 4.8 cm, and Vedaranyam 4.6 cm. Collector P. Akash said 4,000 electric poles, 75 km of electric lines, and 200 transformers were on standby, with a 24/7 TANGEDCO control centre in operation. The district hospital has eight ambulances, and 10 generators have been placed at health centres to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Drainage maintenance has been carried out to prevent water stagnation, while 300 Aapda Mitra volunteers and 5,000 first responders are on standby.

School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi visited the Nagapattinam District Collectorate’s control room and inspected temporary camps set up at schools and distributed relief materials to affected residents. He was accompanied by district officials.

At a temporary camp for flood-affected families at Nagapattinam Municipal Middle School, the Minister said schools would reopen only after stagnant rainwater was completely drained from their premises, with an order already issued to all Chief Educational Officers across Tamil Nadu to this effect.

Due to the ongoing heavy rainfall, 160 families from the flood-hit Surya Nagar area have been relocated to the camp. Mr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi interacted with 115 residents, listened to their grievances, and distributed essential items, including mats, bread, and bottled water.

In Karaikal, Collector D. Manikandan told The Hindu that 50-60 people from two habitations had been moved to a relief centre due to rainfall affecting low-lying areas. He added that 176 relief centres were on standby. Over 100 trained local youth skilled in swimming and fire safety were also prepared for emergencies.