Tamil Nadu Rains: Schools, colleges closed in Tirunelveli tomorrow; exams postponed

NEW DELHI: The district collector of Tirunelveli has directed all schools and colleges to remain closed tomorrow, December 20, due to incessant rainfall. The exams which were scheduled on this date have also been postponed.

The southern districts of Tamil Nadu have received unprecedented rainfall in the last two days.

“Some locations have received their highest rainfall recorded ever since 1871. Due to this, around 40 lakh people living in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts have been very badly affected. The situation is particularly extremely serious in Srivaikuntam and Tuticorin towns, due to large flooding in Thamirabarani river and adjoining areas,” the state government said.

In an order issued by the government, the Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin said: “We have mobilized our officers, SDRF and NDRF teams to undertake rescue and relief operations. Relief materials are being mobilized from all over Tamil Nadu. But these materials could not be distributed to the people since the connecting roads have been inundated. They can be reached only through helicopters.”

The Tamil Nadu Class 12 half-yearly examination 2024 was postponed earlier to December 14 and 20. However, it has been postponed again due to rainfall. Districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram are expected to witness heavy rainfall, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

“As of now 4 helicopters from Airforce, 2 helicopters from Navy and 2 helicopters from Coast Guard are being deployed for rescue of stranded people and to drop food items for the marooned,” the CM informed.