Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena on Tuesday confirmed death of as many as ten people owing to incessant torrential rainfall which lashed several parts of the state's southern districts in the last two days casuing severe disruption to normal life.
According to the senior bureaucrat, the forecast of heavy rain by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) turned out to be 'wrong' as the sate experienced extremely heavy rain' instead.
"Ten people have died in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts due to rain. While some lost their lives due to wall collapse, some died due to electrocution," he told reporters at the Secretariat.
Torrential rainfall batters Tamil Nadu: Status quo
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In light of the prevailing situation in the state, the authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges today in Thirunelveli and Tenkasi districts while a general holiday has been declared for Thuthukudi district as well.
The incessant downpour has also disrupted the train services on Wednesday. Southern Railway has reportedly released a list of cancelled/partial cancelled trains. As per media reports, the Nagercoil-Kanniyakumari Exp Spl and Nagercoil-Tirunelveli Exp Spl were fully cancelled.
CM Stalin seeks Centre's aid
In a bid to mobilise the efforts for livelihood support and repair of public infrastructure affected by the heavy rains, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday requested PM Modi to release Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund.
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"While a comprehensive assessment of the permanent damage will take time, we request an interim assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the NDRF (National Disaster Relief Fund) to bolster the ongoing efforts for livelihood support and repairs and restoration of the public infrastructure battered by the unprecedented floods," Stalin said in the memorandum.
Later, in a post on X, Stalin said, "Met with Hon'ble Prime Minister Thiru @NarendraModi to discuss the urgent situation in flood-hit areas of Tamil Nadu."
"Submitted a memorandum seeking funds from #NDRF to enhance ongoing rescue efforts and restore vital infrastructure. Grateful for the @PMOIndia's attention to Tamil Nadu's needs during these challenging times," he added.
