CHENNAI: Floods have been unleashed in four districts of southern Tamil Nadu following heavy rains. Normal life crippled after water entered houses in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari.

Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district received 60 cm of rain in fifteen consecutive hours till 1.30 am. Kanyakumari received 17.3 cm of rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy or very heavy rains are likely today.

Fire engine itself got stuck near V.O.C port ,Thoothukudi#TNRains #Tirunelveli #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/Sc4PbSgQ4I

— West Coast Weatherman (@RainTracker) December 18, 2023

Relief camps should be opened
Chief Minister M K Stalin has deployed ministers and senior officials in various areas for rescue operations in the wake of flood warning. Stalin has directed the district collectors to set up relief camps, boats and evacuate people early if necessary.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Kanyakumari. Around 4,000 policemen are participating in the rescue operation. Fishermen have been advised not to go into the sea.

Holiday announced
A public holiday has been declared today in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari due to continued heavy rains. Schools, colleges, banks, private institutions and public sector institutions will remain closed.

Trains cancelled
Chennai Egmore, Nizamuddin - Kanyakumari Thirukkural Express, Madurai - Punalur Express and Chennai Egmorthirunelveli Express suspended services at Kovilpatti in the morning due to heavy rain. Buses have been arranged for the stranded passengers.