THOOTHUKUDI: North East monsoon began with a bang in Thoothukudi on Thursday with Kayalpattinam and Tiruchendur receiving the maximum of 15.4 cm and 14.6 cm.of rainfall respectively, which are the highest recorded in the state as well. The district registered an average rainfall of 9.3 cm.
As per the data recorded by automatic rain gauges, Ammanpuram received 10.2 cm, Pannamparai 10 cm, Mela Tiruchendur 9.8 cm, Kayalpattinam (south) 9.4 mm, Thoothukudi 6.9 cm and Mappilaiyoorani 6.4 cm.
It rained intermittently for nearly nine hours on the intervening night of October 15 and 16, resulting in inundation of several areas, including The Thoothukudi medical college hospital, Tharuvai grounds, arterial roads such as Tamil Salai, VOC Salai, Palayamkottai road, and residential areas in Thoothukudi city witnessed stagnation. The water drained after the rain stopped in the morning. As a precautionary measure, district collector K Elambahavath declared a holiday for schools and colleges.
“The stagnant water drained through the storm water drains and other canals, except in a few locations. Despite the heavy overnight rain, several localities within the corporation limit were almost safe as we have 14 disposal points now as against the three during the AIADMK rule”, said Mayor N Jegan Periyasamy.
Social welfare and women empowerment minister Geetha Jeevan inspected the water evacuation works at Thoothukudi medical college hospital. “All stagnant water has been evacuated through the drain canals and using water pumps”, she told media.
Notable places including the famous Tiruchendur Murugan temple and the Sivan temple nearby were inundated due to rain. Official sources said water entered the Shanmugavilas Mandapam, and other areas of the Tiruchendur Murugan temple. “Evacuation work is afoot”, said an official.
Rain water entered Sivan temple premises, located adjacent to the Tiruchendur Murugan temple and electric pumps were used to evacuate it. As the temple is located at least 4 feet below the road level, water entered it, locals said and urged the government to take steps to prevent flooding in future.
Over 12 mechanised boats that ventured into sea from Vembar fishing harbour were issued memo for sailing into sea violating weather warning. “Some of them returned to the shore and the others are expected soon. The subsidy for diesel has been suspended until further notice”, said an officer.
