The districts of Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Salem, and Tiruvannamalai in northern Tamil Nadu have been severely affected by unprecedented rainfall. PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has highlighted the grave situation and urged the government to expedite relief and rescue operations, deploying additional teams if necessary.
Rainfall Impact: An Overview
The unexpected stalling of Cyclone Phyan over the Bay of Bengal led to record-breaking rainfall in Tamil Nadu.
- Krishnagiri District: Received 50 cm of rainfall, reportedly the highest in 300 years.
- Dharmapuri District: Harur recorded 33 cm of rainfall.
- Salem District: The Sarabanga River overflowed, impacting agriculture and livelihoods.
- Tiruvannamalai District: Landslides damaged houses, trapping several people.
Consequences of Neglect
The heavy rainfall exposed long-standing issues caused by negligence:
- Water bodies and canals were not desilted or maintained effectively.
- Rainwater overflowed onto roads and residential areas instead of flowing through designated channels.
- Delays in rescue and relief operations aggravated the suffering of affected residents.
Dr. Anbumani’s Appeal
In his statement, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss emphasized the following points:
- Rescue efforts must be intensified in all affected areas, and additional teams should be deployed as needed.
- Immediate measures should be taken to rescue those trapped due to landslides in Tiruvannamalai.
- Relief assistance, including essential supplies, should be promptly provided to affected families.
- Future planning should ensure proper maintenance of water bodies and canals to prevent similar disasters.
A Call to Action
The current disaster highlights the urgent need for government intervention to protect lives and mitigate suffering. Immediate action is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the people. As Dr. Anbumani stated, these challenges demand serious attention and effective governance, not negligence.
Protecting lives and ensuring sustainable infrastructure must remain the top priority for the administration!