Rains continue to lash TN coastal districts

Sharp showers lashed Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts of Tamil Nadu for the third day today with crucial parts of the region inundated, even as weathermen forcasted heavy rains in the next 48 hours.
Several parts of the temple island of Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district, including the National Highway, were inundated. Rameswaram recorded 75 mm rain in the last 24 hours and ended at 8:30 AM today, while Thangachimadam recorded 52 mm.
Rameswaram Municipality Chairman Arjunan said efforts were being taken to drain the water into the sea as most parts were inundated and earth movers have been engaged.
Officials said fishermen from Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin did not venture into the sea for the fourth day today.

Several parts of Tuticorin district, especially coastal areas received heavy rains, and some housing colonies and roads were inundated but there was no flood threat, officials said.
Officials said as a depression in the Bay of Bengal is slowly moving towards southern districts, precautionary steps have been taken with the rains expected to be heavy in the next 48 hours.

"As of now there is no flood threat in Tuticorin," District collector Ravikumar said.
"We are prepared for any situation, as rains have been predicted for Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. We will be watchful and all the alternative sites for accommodating people in case of flood were ready," another official said.

According to the officials, a National Disaster Relief Force team is camping in Tuticorin district.
There was no threat to highways in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts, officials said, adding that water flow in the Thamirabharani river was normal.
"As of now we are experiencing drizzle in some areas and sharp showers in others, but there was no need to worry," they added.
The state government had earlier instructed the administration of the districts, especially Tuticorin, which recently witnessed flash floods, to take preventive measures.
Meanwhile, the strong winds proved to be a boon for wind mill power generation companies in Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts, with power generation improving.