Tamil Nadu Faces Flood Crisis as Rains Soak Southern Districts, Evacuations Underway

As Tamil Nadu grapples with relentless rainfall, the situation remains dire across several districts, particularly impacting the southern regions where the Thamirabarani river has swelled significantly. On Friday, residents continued to face the brunt of the ongoing downpours, prompting officials to take swift action to ensure public safety. In the Thoothukudi district, the administration has taken proactive measures by issuing a flood warning for the Srivaikuntam and Eral areas. This warning comes as heavy inflows into the Thamirabarani river threaten low-lying communities. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to safer grounds, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Chennai, the state's capital, is also feeling the effects of the unyielding rains. The Public Works Department (PWD) has raised alarms regarding the Redhills and Chembarambakkam reservoirs, critical sources of drinking water for the city. With rainfall continuing to saturate the catchment areas, water levels in these reservoirs have surged dangerously, prompting the issuance of the first flood warning for the city. In response to the rising water levels, the Poondi dam's discharge has been ramped up from 5,000 cusecs to a significant 12,000 cusecs, a move designed to manage the excess water and mitigate potential flooding risks. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and residents are being kept informed about any further developments. The flood warnings extend to all villages and towns along the banks of the Thamirabarani river as well. The administration's decision to issue these alerts reflects the seriousness of the situation, as heavy rainfall upstream has raised concerns about potential flooding in these areas. As the rain continues to batter Tamil Nadu, communities remain on high alert. The region's emergency services and local administration are working diligently to ensure the safety of residents while mobilizing resources to manage the effects of the storm. With forecasts suggesting continued precipitation, citizens are urged to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and prioritize their safety in the face of this prolonged weather event.