PUDUCHERRY: Incessant rains in the aftermath of the formation of a low pressure disrupted normal life here on Sunday. The outskirts of the town and several low-lying areas were inundated with water, as rains, which started on Saturday night, continued unabated throughout Sunday.
Puducherry received 55.7 mm rainfall in 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, according to the Meteorological Department. Water entered the houses in several low-lying areas and residents had to manually drain out the stagnant water.
Mudaliarpet, parts of Rainbow Nagar, Muthialpet, Krishna Nagar and Lawspet Main Road were waterlogged, thus putting the residents in the area in difficulty.
The road stretches near Karuvadikkuppam and Sivaji statue on the ECR were inundated, causing traffic problems. Also, the 100-year-old banyan tree at Mudaliarpet uprooted, causing disruption of the traffic. Roads were badly damaged and motorists had a hard time negotiating them.
In several places, public came forward to clear the rainwater without waiting for any help from the government.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy has already announced that the official machinery is fully geared to meet any eventuality arising out of the anticipated rainfall in the next two to three days. He visited Bhoomiyampet and other rain affected areas. Minister Rajavelu also visited affected areas and instructed officials to take measures against waterlogging.
Meanwhile, the administration declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal districts on Monday in anticipation of more rains. Pondicherry University too has decided to postpone the Engineering, Medical and MCA examinations scheduled for Monday. According to a release, the revised dates will be informed later.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Uppalam, where three houses had collapsed, and after hearing the grievances of residents of Manalmedu, who were shifted to the government higher secondary school on Mission Street, District Collector D Manikandan said all precautionary measures have been taken. He said food, clothes and medicines have been provided to those evacuated from the coastal areas.
Manikandan said 165 relief camps (in schools) have been opened in anticipation of rains. The public could report any emergency, round the clock, by dialling Toll free numbers 1070 and 1077.