Chennai: Seventeen people, including two children, have died after a wall collapsed in a village in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore on Monday morning because of heavy rain.
The 20-foot high compound wall collapsed on several houses at 5:30 am on Monday when the people were sleeping, news agency AFP reported. The state government has announced a relief of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those killed in the Coimbatore wall collapse.
Rain continues to hammer parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after leaving several districts virtually crippled over the last few days. A warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall has been put out in several towns. Schools and colleges will remain shut in Chennai and Tuticorin, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, where large parts are flooded.
Widespread rain is expected across coastal Tamil Nadu due to a cyclonic circulation near Comorin on the Indian Ocean, according to the weather office. At least three people had died in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu in the last few days.
The state government says it is well-prepared and there is no need to panic. In Chennai, the state government has set up 176 relief centres. Boats have been kept ready to evacuate people if required, assured the Chennai Corporation. Over 600 water pumps will be used to remove water-logging in low-lying areas.
The Chennai Corporation has set up a helpline for water-logging and tree fall complaints following continuous rain. Residents can dial 04425384520 and 04425384530 or Whatsapp 9445477205 for any rain-related complaints.
In Puducherry, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi visited rain-hit areas like Rainbow Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Indira Gandhi Square and Natesan Nagar with her team.
