Heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, orange alert in 16 districts; 13-year-old dies after wall collapses

CHENNAI: Heavy rain lashed Tamil Nadu on Thursday as a result of a low-pressure system that formed over the southeastern Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that 23 districts are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for 16 districts, including Chennai.

In Nagapattinam, a 13-year-old boy died after a house wall collapsed due to heavy rain. His parents and sibling, who sustained injuries, are undergoing treatment. Schools remained closed yesterday in 12 districts, including Chennai, Villupuram, and Cuddalore. The adverse weather also disrupted operations at Chennai Airport. Four Air India flights scheduled to land there were cancelled, while 15 outgoing flights faced delays. Many areas experienced waterlogging, and fallen trees caused traffic disruptions in some locations.