TN soaks in rain as Chennai receives highest rainfall in state; death toll crosses 105
The city also saw widespread protests where public demanded restoration of power
Chennai: Tamil Nadu soaked for the third consecutive day with the North East monsoon turning vigorous in northern and western districts on Friday. Rains lashed capital greater Chennai throwing normalcy out of gear and the state death toll crossed 105 as reports came in.
The capital district received the highest rainfall in entire State with astonishing 665.9 mm, which is 43 per cent above the normal, this monsoon leading to heavy inundation in pockets of central and north Chennai. Areas in south Chennai located close to Pallikaranai and Perumbakkam wetlands were marooned following heavy downpour.
In Chennai, the traffic came to a halt as arterial Anna Salai, Poonamallee High Road and GST Road came under sheets of water hitting vehicular movement till Friday evening. Power cuts in more than 60 areas, sewage overflow and pot holes added to the monsoon woes.
The city also saw widespread protests at eight spots where public demanded restoration of power and rain relief compensation. Police and local body authorities had a tough time pacifying demonstrators at Thirumangalam Padi Kuppam, Tambaram, Royapuram – Cemetry road, Washermenpet, Tondiarpet, Choolaimedu and Thiruvottiyur. Rettai Eri which breached inundated Madhavaram and Mathur areas.
The revenue authorities monitoring the state control room at state secretariat expressed concern that the number of rain related deaths would surge further as seven districts including Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai and Kancheepuram have sounded flood alerts.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa condoled the death of those who died due to rain related incidents victims, a majority of them drowned in floodwaters and announced Rs four lakh each to their families as assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund.
The entire Kancheepuram chocked as rain water entered low lying areas of the district and in some main roads the public used ropes to ensure that they were not carried away by floods in areas located close to Maduranthagam, Sriperumbudur and Cheyyur that received heavy rains.
Dharmapuri collector K. Vivekananthan announced flood alert with the Thenppennai Rivers receiving copious inflow.
Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Thiruvannamalai and Kancheepuram districts sound flood alert.
Thenpennai and Palar rivers endemic to Eastern Ghats in spate after two decades.
State directs district administrations to expedite relief and gear up for evacuation in low- lying areas and releases funds under disaster management.
With power being restored in 517 villages Cuddalore limps back to normalcy. District receives 25 tonnes of fodder to feed livestock.
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