Tamil Nadu: 500 passengers stranded, rain washes away rail tracks
What's the story
Nearly 500 passengers are stuck at the Srivaikuntam Railway Station in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, which continued to witness heavy rainfall on Monday. Torrential downpours washed away the ballast under the iron railway tracks, leaving behind the tracks dangling dangerously, supported only by cement slabs. Per NDTV, rescue operations were also suspended after the road connecting to the railway station was inundated.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been witnessing heavy downpours for two days, prompting floods in several areas and pushing the Thamaraparani River beyond its banks. On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy to heavy rainfall in both states for two-three days. Incessant rainfall has also affected transportation, with at least 17 trains either being partially or fully canceled in Tamil Nadu.
Heavy rainfall
All passengers are safe, says Southern Railway
Meanwhile, the Southern Railway has released a statement asserting all the passengers are safe. "The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is trying to reach the station. Efforts are underway to airdrop food," said Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) Guhanesan. In addition to the 500 people stranded on the Srivaikuntam Railway Station, 300 others are sheltering in a nearby school.
Twitter Post
Watch: Railway tracks float in the air
Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur Train route floating tracks #Tirunelveli #Tiruchendur #rain #floods #TirunelveliRains #Tutucorin #NellaiFloods pic.twitter.com/6xokLGYeaO
— Pradeepkrishnan (@Pranavfotos) December 18, 2023
Schools
4 dead, authorities declare public holiday
Four southern Tamil Nadu districts—Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari—have been experiencing heavy rainfall for two days. Authorities also declared a public holiday in all four affected districts on Monday. Schools, colleges, banks, and public and private firms remained shut. Reportedly, one person in Tuticorin and three in Chennai lost their lives in rain-related incidents. Moreover, the Agasthiyar waterfall also swelled due to heavy rainfall.
Twitter Post
Watch: Indian Navy carry rescue operation in Tamil Nadu
The @indiannavy is carrying out rescue operations in flood affected areas of South Tamil Nadu in coordination with the state govt.
— Shilpa (@Shilpa1308) December 18, 2023
As per officials, 42 persons have been rescued so far, which includes three pregnant women. #TamilNaduRains #TuticorinRains #TirunelveliRains pic.twitter.com/dCanyGQHnY
Insight
Knee-to-waist deep water engulfs parts of 4 districts
Thiruchendur in the Tuticorin district experienced a staggering 60cm of rainfall in just 15 hours until the wee hours of Monday. While Kanyakumari recorded 17cm of rainfall, Nalumukku and Palayamkottai areas in the Tirunelveli district reported 19cm and 26cm of rain, respectively. Knee-to-waist-deep water has engulfed parts of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari districts as water has been released from Papanasam, Perunjani, and Pechuparai dams.