Chennai: Normal life was thrown out of gear in the delta districts of Tamil Nadu as the torrential rains continue to wreak havoc in the state. 12 people died due to the rain-related issues in the state, reports quoting Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said.
A four-year-girl, who was asleep in a house in Kumbakonam, have died as a wall collapsed that was triggered by the huge downpour. Her father sustained severe injuries. In another incident, two persons suffered injuries due to roof collapse. Several houses were reportedly damaged due to the huge downpour in Kumbakonam on Wednesday.
Chennai braces for more rainfall in next 24 hours
According to a report in NDTV, the Chennai denizens should be braced for another round of rainfall as the depression has moved towards northern Tamil Nadu, which is predicted to trigger a heavy to very heavy rainfall in the capital city.
The forecasts suggest that 20 districts including Chennai would receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. According to the reports, the state has received 42% rainfall above average. The Chennai Corporation expects 150 to 200 mm of rainfall in the city on Wednesday and Thursday.
"The public should remain in their houses during rainfall. Keep adequate food and water ready. Keep all electronic devices charged for communication. Measures to distribute food and generator sets (for electricity supply), and to meet other infrastructure needs are also ready," Greater Chennai Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi said as quoted by NDTV.
While 53 boats are set ready, nearly 600 motor pumps have been deployed for further rescue works to bring the waterlogged streets under control, said GCC commissioner. Expecting heavy rainfall, the state government has set up nearly 450 siren towers that can be used by the city denizens in an emergency if the houses and streets are flooded due to a downpour. Over 1,700 people have been moved to the relief camps residing in the low-lying areas of the state.