3 dead after sudden heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu: Red alert issued in Chennai

Chennai, Dec 31: People of Tamil Nadu were left with several difficulties and severe unease after a sudden and heavy downpour washed out several cities of the state on Thursday. The heavy shower has left several areas of the state traffic-jammed and waterlogged while at least three people have died due to electrical accidents caused by the rainfall. The weather agencies have also cautioned several cities and districts of the state with a red alert for the next couple of days. The cities include the state capital Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur, and Chinglepet. Meanwhile, announcing the fatalities, State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said, “Three people have died in Tamil Nadu due to electrocution caused by the heavy rains. The three people have been identified as a 70-year-old Tamilarasi in Otteri, a 13-year-old boy in Mylapore, and a 45-year-old woman.” The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, “Very heavy rainfall was observed over Chennai and the neighbourhood and rainfall activity is likely to continue over the region during the next 06 hours.  Rainfall recorded from 0830-1945 IST of today (in mm). Chennai (MRC Nagar) - 198 and Nungambakkam – 160.” The unpredicted rainfall started around noon on Thursday at some areas of Tamil Nadu and gradually increased in intensity over the next few hours. IMD has further said that isolated rains are expected to continue over north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next three days and decrease thereafter. The rains are expected to subside after January 2.