NEW DELHI, Dec 19 (NNN-PTI) – Heavy rains hit India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, triggering inundation and resulting in the cancellation of trains and flights, officials said yesterday.
India Meteorological Department officials attributed the rains to the influence of a cyclonic circulation, over the Indian Ocean and south-west Bay of Bengal, off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
“Heavy rainfall continues for another 24 hours in Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts,” read an alert from the regional Meteorological centre.
The unprecedented rainfall inundated many areas, following which, the local authorities declared a holiday for all schools and colleges.
So far, 7,500 people have reportedly been evacuated and housed in 84 relief camps, and the flooding also led to roads caving in Thoothukudi.
A local media report said, one person was killed in the Tuticorin district, in a rain-related incident.
The incessant rainfall also disrupted railway operations, as the rail tracks were submerged in floodwater. The heavy rainfall has also led to the complete or partial cancellation of 17 trains.
Reports said Tuticorin-bound flights have been diverted or cancelled.– NNN-PTI
