Rain lashes Vellore, nearby districts

Rain lashes Vellore and surrounding areas, causing flooding, power cuts, and crop damage; helplines available for assistance.

Rain lashed in many parts of Vellore town including Chennai - Bengaluru Highway (NH: 44) and neighbouring big towns like Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Arani, Gudiyatham, Tiruvannamalai, Chengam, Polur and Tirupattur town on Sunday.

Low lying areas like Sampath Nagar and Kansalpet in Old Town within Vellore Corporation limits, were inundated due to continuous rain. Frequent power cuts were also reported in many areas in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts due to non-stop rains throughout the day. “Many key stretches were waterlogged due to continuous rain since early Sunday. Traffic was hit on Bengaluru highway as many residents were returning home after festival holidays,” said B. Santhosh, a motorist. 

Among districts, Tiruvannamalai has received the highest rainfall with a total rainfall of 126 mm, followed by Vellore with 96 mm and Ranipet (89.50 mm). Among major towns, Jamunamarathur in Tiruvannamalai district received the highest rainfall of 32 mm, followed by Chetpet (28 mm) and Polur (22 mm) in Tiruvannamalai as of 8.30 a.m on Sunday.

Crop damage was also reported in farming areas like Sholinghur, Thimir, Kaveripakkam in Ranipet where a large tract of paddy was inundated.

Water bodies in these districts are also filling up faster. Currently, 4,167 water bodies including 1,119 Minor Irrigation (MI) that are maintained by WRD are located in these districts. Of the total 697 tanks in Tiruvannamalai, 363 tanks reached 100% full capacity and 117 tanks (50% capacity). Among 369 tanks in Ranipet, 153 tanks reached its total capacity and 42 tanks reached 50% of its total storage.

Temple authorities have temporarily suspended rope car service at the Sri Lakshminarasimhar temple in Sholinghur town near Ranipet on Sunday due to rain. The rope car in the temple, maintained by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), used to operate between 8.30 a.m and 5 p.m on all days including Sundays.

Helplines for rain related complaints have also been issued. 0416-2258016 or 9384056214 (Vellore); 04194-229008 or 222111 (Tirupatur); 04175-232377 (Tiruvannamalai) and 04172 - 271766 (Ranipet).