After heavy rains lashed various parts of Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Chief Minister MK Stalin and assured him of all possible help from the central government in rescue and relief operations. Heavy rains lashed Chennai and its suburbs overnight and the administration has issued a preliminary flood warning as three reservoirs in the city have been opened in phases to flush out the excess water.
PM Modi tweeted on Sunday night, “Spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and discussed the situation arising out of heavy rains in various parts of the state. Assured all possible help from the Center in rescue and relief work. I pray for everyone’s welfare and safety.”
After heavy rains lashed parts of Tamil Nadu and Chennai during the last 24 hours, Chief Minister Stalin on Sunday directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations. Following heavy rains, the government has declared holidays for schools and colleges on November 8 and 9 in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Changalpet districts. Four teams of NDRF have also been deployed in the state.
According to an official statement, 36 districts have received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, with the state capital receiving the highest rainfall of 134.29 mm. It said that keeping in view the situation, Stalin had inspected the relief work in the flood-affected areas in the wake of the 2015 floods. Stalin visited Kolathur, Perambur, Purasaivalakam, Kosapet and Otteri and distributed food and relief materials to the affected people living in a nearby school.
According to the statement, the chief minister directed officials of the local administration, revenue and public welfare departments to ensure that water does not overflow and people living in low-lying areas are shifted to safer places. He also directed to strictly follow the COVID-19 protocol in the relief camps.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda also wrote on Twitter, “Incessant cyclonic rains in Chennai and adjoining districts have led to floods and people are stranded in low-lying areas. I have asked my area president or Annamalai and Asked the state unit to come forward and provide complete relief to the affected people.
At the same time, the Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that a cyclonic circulation and low pressure area is very likely to remain over north coastal Tamil Nadu and southeast Bengal coast till November 9. Heavy for at least the next three days. It may rain. Under its influence, delta areas of Chennai, Villupuram and Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts and northern areas like Puducherry and Kariyakkal are likely to receive rain on Monday, the department said.
The IMD said that such areas may receive heavy rains, very heavy rain at isolated places and lightning and thundershowers are likely. An official said in a bulletin that there is a possibility of rain in South Madurai and other areas as well. On November 9, scattered rain and thundershowers are very likely over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Tuticorin districts.