Fatal Building Collapse in Tamil Nadu as Heavy Rainfall Threatens Southern India

New Delhi:

Two women lost their lives in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore following a building collapse amid heavy rainfall.

Tamil Nadu is preparing for additional precipitation as a well-marked low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cross the northern coast of the state and portions of southern Andhra Pradesh within the next 24 hours.

Current forecasts predict very heavy rainfall across several locations in Ranipet and Tiruvallur districts, while heavy rainfall is anticipated in areas of Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram.

The meteorological department issued red alerts on Wednesday morning for Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, and Cuddalore districts. Similar warnings for extremely heavy rainfall were extended to Nellore, Prakasam, Tirupati, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh.

Orange alerts were declared for Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, and Sri Satyasai in Andhra Pradesh.

A red alert signifies 'heavy to extremely heavy' rainfall, exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours.

An orange alert indicates 'very heavy' rainfall, measuring between 11 and 20 cm within 24 hours.

During the 21-hour period ending at 5:30 am Tuesday, Cuddalore recorded the highest rainfall at 174 mm, followed by Puducherry (147 mm) and Chennai's Nungambakkam area (86.4 mm).

Educational institutions have been temporarily closed in 13 districts and Puducherry. In Chennai, Salem, Namakkal, and Pudukkottai, only schools have been given holidays.

While no reports of extremely heavy rainfall have emerged yet, the effects of continuous precipitation are becoming evident; homes in low-lying areas of Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin and Tiruvarur districts have experienced water ingress, and extensive paddy fields in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam have been flooded.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has assigned 12 government officials as monitoring officers for districts under red alert and instructed authorities to prepare relief camps, evacuate residents from low-lying areas, and implement immediate relief measures. He has also directed officials to accelerate paddy procurement and ensure secure storage in delta districts.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin evaluated preparedness efforts on the ground, while district collectors confirmed their readiness. Chengalpattu Collector D Sneha informed NDTV, "We've completed pre-monsoon desilting work. Water pumps, relief centres, and community kitchens are ready. We would also hold special medical camps soon after the rain."

Officials report that JCBs, boats, pumps, trucks, tree cutters, and power infrastructure - including 51,639 lampposts and 1,849 transformers - have been prepared across the delta and northern districts. NDRF teams remain on standby for rescue operations.

Flooding remains a significant concern in Chennai, which has received approximately 10 cm of rainfall thus far.

The Greater Chennai Corporation states that its expanded stormwater drainage network, completed across major portions of the city, will face its first real test during this monsoon season.

In Andhra Pradesh, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha examined the situation with the state Disaster Management Authority. She advised residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Disaster response teams from both state and central agencies, along with police and firefighters, are positioned for rescue and relief operations, and Anitha has instructed district control rooms to maintain high alert.

Revenue Minister A Satya Prasad has urged residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground and directed authorities to ensure fishermen avoid venturing into turbulent seas.