Tue Dec 03 11:10:00 UTC 2024: **Heavy Rains and Flooding Continue in Tamil Nadu After Cyclone Fengal; Thousands Evacuated**
CHENNAI, INDIA – Torrential rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu and Puducherry following the weakening of Cyclone Fengal. While the cyclone downgraded to a deep depression on Sunday, its aftermath has caused widespread flooding and significant disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for numerous districts, including Nilgiris, Erode, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Salem, Namakkal, Trichy, Karur, Madurai, and Theni. An orange alert is also in effect for Karnataka.
Krishnagiri district has been particularly hard hit, experiencing over 14 hours of continuous heavy rainfall. Dramatic visuals show submerged vehicles and buses at Uthangiri bus station. Rescue operations are underway, with the Indian Army successfully rescuing an infant from a flooded house in Puducherry and assisting in the evacuation of over 100 people from Krishna Nagar, where water levels reached five feet. IIT Madras students are also involved in rescue efforts following a landslide in Tiruvannamalai. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) previously assisted with rescue operations in Cuddalore.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reported that over 7,000 people have been evacuated and sheltered in 147 camps across the state. All schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu are closed today due to the severe weather conditions. The IMD warns of continued heavy rainfall.
First Piper 