Four dead in rain-related incidents across Tamil Nadu

At least four persons died in different rain related incidents in different parts of Tamil Nadu; two of the victims had died in wall collapses in Ariyalur and Ramanathapuram districts; two others were electrocuted in Sivaganga and Ranipet districts

At least four persons died in different rain related incidents in different parts of Tamil Nadu on Friday (December 13, 2024). Two of the victims had died in wall collapses in Ariyalur and Ramanathapuram districts, while two others were electrocuted in Sivaganga and Ranipet districts.

The State government said over 2,000 people had been accommodated in 50 relief camps in districts where heavy rain had been reported. Over 100 cattle died in 10 districts, including Mayiladuthurai and Ramanathapuram. Over 400 houses were damaged in 20 districts, including Ariyalur and Chengalpattu.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited the State Emergency Operations Centre to review the situation in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts, which received heavy rain during the past few days. He instructed officials to ensure the supply of essential items to the those in the relief camps.

An official release said the flow in the Thamiraparani was 50,000 cusecs due to heavy rain in these districts. The people living on the banks and those living in low-lying areas have been shifted to relief camps. Warning messages have been sent to over 11.75 lakh mobile phones, it said.

In Ramanathapuram district, a five-year-old girl, P. Keerthika, was crushed to death when a portion of the wall of her house collapsed on her.

In Ariyalur, torrential rain over the past two days left a trail of destruction. K. Vengaiyan, 75, of Veliprinkiyam was killed after being caught under the debris of a wall of his house that had collapsed. Palanivel of Ilaiyur West suffered head injuries in another wall collapse incident. He was taken to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thanjavur.

Seven persons, living on the banks of the Maruthaiyaru, near Periyathirukkonam, had a narrow escape after they were caught in the flood. Upon receiving information that a group of persons from Kuthalam taluk in Mayiladuthurai district were stranded in the flood, the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service (TNFRS) personnel rushed to the spot and rescued all of them. Akash, 2, Sugan, 10, and an eight-month-old baby were among those rescued.