According to federal Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman, heavy rain and flooding in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu this week has resulted in at least 31 deaths.
The heavy rains have caused chaos in several districts of the state, submerging entire neighborhoods, roads, and railway tracks, following a recent cyclone that hit the country’s southeast coast and caused widespread damage.
Sithraman indicated that the death toll could rise as rescuers continue to struggle to reach many people who are still stranded in high waters. Additionally, she mentioned that more than 40,000 people have been rescued, with ongoing efforts to help those who are still in need of help.
Tamil Nadu is a major hub for electronics and manufacturing in India, but several southern neighborhoods remain waterlogged as of Friday, making it difficult to provide much-needed supplies. Volunteer M. Balamurugan and others have been working to distribute food and essentials, but they are facing challenges in reaching the worst-affected areas due to the high water levels.
According to the weather department, Tamil Nadu has recorded over 64 mm of rainfall this week, which is more than triple the normal 20 mm for this time of year. The department also predicts more rainfall in parts of the state over the next five days.
For some residents, the current floods bring back memories of the devastating rains that occurred in the state capital of Chennai eight years ago, resulting in 290 deaths and widespread inundation of the city.
(Reporting by Praveen Paramasivam; Writing by Kanjyik Ghosh; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
