At least 10 individuals lost their lives due to floods triggered by heavy rainfall in southern India, marking another tragic episode after a recent cyclone wreaked havoc in the same regions. The state of Tamil Nadu faced severe flooding, leaving hundreds stranded as roads became submerged. In response, the airforce dropped 10 tonnes of emergency supplies to assist those marooned.
Media footage from Press Trust of India revealed entire neighborhoods submerged underwater, prompting rescue teams to employ boats to navigate the inundated areas. Tamil Nadu’s chief secretary, Shiv Das Meena, reported a death toll of at least 10 people, with 12,600 individuals compelled to evacuate to safer locations, according to the Indian Express newspaper. The situation was described as “grim” in districts like Thoothukudi and Tiruelveli, as posted by the state governor’s office on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of Tamil Nadu acknowledged the devastating impact of “historically high rainfalls,” noting the severe repercussions on livelihoods and infrastructure.
These heavy rains occurred just two weeks after Cyclone Michaung claimed the lives of at least eight people on December 6, affecting Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states. While December typically sees rainfall in southern India, scientists have cautioned that climate change is leading to more potent storms as global temperatures rise.