Tamil Nadu / 14 dead in Tamil Nadu due to heavy rains: Government

New Delhi: As incessant rain and severe crosswinds continue to lash parts of Tamil Nadu, the official death toll in rain related incidents has mounted to 14. 

Revenue Department Principal Secretary of Tamil Nadu, Kumar Jayanth, confirmed the death toll and informed, "13 waterlogged subways would be cleared and 160 fallen trees have been removed."

In the wake of inclement weather, Chennai International Airport temporarily halted operations. Arrivals at Chennai International Airport have been suspended from 1.15 pm to 6 pm on Thursday. Departures will continue as per the official notification. 

“The decision has been taken considering the safety aspects of passengers and severity of wind,” Chennai Airport tweeted.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been alerted to deal with any kind of untoward incident due to the rain. “We’ve deployed 11 teams in TN &2 teams in Puducherry. 5 more teams on standby. All teams are self-contained with equipment to deal with all types of disasters. Advice to people is that if your house isn’t flooded then stay indoors,” said Rekha Nambiyar, Senior Commandant, NDRF.

In its latest weather forecast, Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre predicted thunderstorms with moderate rain at one or two places over Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kraikal over the next three hours.   

Taking stock of the situation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed food preparation at a center that would distribute food to the needy people stranded in rain. As per sources from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the state has decided to provide free food through Amma Canteens till the current spell of rain subsides.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that heavy rains over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are likely to decrease from Friday.

"Heavy Rains over Tamil Nadu and Andhra likely to decrease from tomorrow as the Depression enters into land today and weakens subsequently. Today's rainfall activity will be more over Andhra Pradesh," IMD tweeted.