15, Including 4 Women, Killed In Wall Collapse As Rains Wreak Havoc In Tamil Nadu

At least 15 people, including four women, were killed in a wall collapse related incident due to heavy downpour in Tamil Nadu's Mettupalayam on Monday. According to reports, the wall fell on four houses. "15 people are dead after a compound wall collapsed and damaged three houses in Nadoor Kannappan Layout in Mettupalayam today morning, following heavy rain in the region. Rescue operation underway," reported ANI.

Meanwhile, heavy rains are likely to lash parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry today. At least three people died in rain-related incidents from different parts of the southern state.

Schools across Tamil Nadu will remain closed, while examinations of Madras University and Anna University scheduled for Monday have been postponed as the regional meteorological centre in Chennai on Sunday predicted more showers in the next two days and issued a red alert for six districts in Tamil Nadu.

“Thiruvallur, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Thoothukkudi, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu would receive extremely heavy rainfall (above 20cm) in the next 24 hours,” the IMD’s Chennai regional centre alerted.

The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services said it was fully prepared to deal with any flood-related issues and announced landline phone numbers for the public.

In a press release, the department said it has adequate manpower, equipment like inflatable rubber boats, long rescue ropes, other tools and vehicles to render assistance and help rescue and evacuate who are affected by floods.

There are 331 fire and rescue stations located in Tamil Nadu and in each district, 22 rescue commandoes are positioned with proper equipment, the release said.

"People can contact the Fire and Rescue services at 101 at all the district headquarters, including Greater Chennai corporation areas.

"For Greater Chennai Corporation, the landline numbers are 044-28554309, 28554311, 28554314,28554376", the release said.

Rains lashed many parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry on Sunday with the North-East monsoon triggering a heavy spell in the last 24 hours. The rains claimed one life in the state capital, even as the Met Office predicted more showers in the next two days.