Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin highlighted the severe impact of unprecedented rainfall in the southern districts of the state, stating that the region received a year's worth of rainfall in a single day, leading to floods. Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi were particularly affected by the heavy rains on December 17 and 18. Chief Minister Stalin, addressing the situation, mentioned that the government was actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected districts.

Stalin noted that the rainfall in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi during this period was the highest in the recorded history, spanning the last 47 to 60 years. The Chief Minister compared the deluge to what would happen if a year's worth of rain fell in a single day. Kayalpattinam alone recorded 94 cm of rainfall during this period.

Contrary to meteorological predictions, the region experienced more rainfall than anticipated. The Chief Minister informed that a significant response team, including state ministers, IAS officers, state forces, and NDRF teams, was actively involved in rescue operations. Assistance from the army was also sought, and relief camps were set up, providing shelter to 12,653 people. Helicopters were deployed to deliver food to stranded individuals.

Given the magnitude of the disaster, the Tamil Nadu government requested an additional amount of Rs 7,033 crore as interim relief and Rs 12,059 crore as permanent relief for Chennai and its suburbs. In the affected districts, a relief amount of Rs 6,000 per family was immediately provided, irrespective of central assistance.

Rescue efforts by defense personnel included helicopter operations to evacuate stranded railway passengers in flood-affected areas. Ropes and necessary equipment were used to rescue people at Srivaikuntam Railway Station. The Southern Railway initiated evacuation measures, and food packets dropped from Indian Air Force helicopters were distributed to stranded passengers.

While rainfall subsided in many parts of southern Tamil Nadu, the aftermath of floods continued to pose challenges for the affected population. Despite ongoing rescue and relief efforts, the situation remains critical for those impacted by the unprecedented rainfall. 

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