Isolated areas in Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi receive heavy rain

As the Northeast monsoon intensified, Kanniyakumari and Thoothukudi districts received heavy rainfall in several areas. In the 24 hours ending on Thursday morning, Surulacode recorded the highest rainfall in Kanniyakumari district at 10.5 cm, while Tiruchendur recorded the highest rainfall in Thoothukudi district at 11.76 cm.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai on Wednesday had issued an orange alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over isolated places at Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts on Thursday and Friday.

In view of the forecast and heavy rainfall recorded in several areas, Thoothukudi Collector Vishu Mahajan and Kanniyakumari Collector M. Prathap declared a holiday for all schools in their respective districts.

In Kanniyakumari district, although there were no major waterlogging issues reported in Nagercoil Corporation limits, some roads near Nithiravilai, Ezhudesam ‘C’ village and Derisanamcope have witnessed waterlogging issues. Both Tamirabarani and Pazhayar rivers in the district were also witnessing heavy inflows.

Mr. Prathap inspected waterlogged roads in Ezhudesam ‘C’ village and other waterlogged areas near Nithiravilai. He has instructed the officials to drain the stagnant rainwater along Palamadam to Mambazhanji road. He also directed the officials to take strict action against people who dump plastic and other wastes along the roadsides.

The continuous rainfall has also highlighted the need for urgent attention to damaged roads in Nagercoil, particularly at places including Kottar and Ozhuginasery, where immediate restoration work is required.

In Thoothukudi district, rainfall led to waterlogging in several parts with the Corporation limits, including WGC Road, P&T Colony and Shanthi Nagar. Special teams were formed in all four zones to drain water from the waterlogged area.

In addition, steps were also taken to remove blockages in stormwater drains to ensure smooth flow of rainwater. Spraying of bleaching powder and mosquito-control chemicals are also under way to prevent mosquito breeding in stagnant water.

In the past 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. on Thursday, following stations in Kanniyakumari district recorded rainfall more than five cm: Kottaram 5.54, Kannimar 6.44, Boothapandy 5.72, Eraniel 6.3, Colachel 7.8, Kurunthancode 5.24, Kaliyal 8.2, Kuzhithurai 8.94, Perunchani 8.66 Puthen dam 8.5, Adayamadai 9.62 and Thirparappu recorded 8.5 rainfall.

In Thoothukudi district the in the 24 hours ending at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday total rainfall received in taluks was as follows (in cm): Thoothukudi 9, Srivaikuntam 11.38, Tiruchendur 45.78, Sathankulam 24.74, Kovilpatti 34.56, Kayathar 48.85, Ettayapuram 20.12, Vilathikulam 58.96, Ottapidaram 14.72 and Eral recorded 0.28 cm rainfall.