TN This Week: Waterlogging Drowns Chennai, DMK-AIADMK Blame One Other

Incessant rain caused by a depression created over the Bay of Bengal pounded several districts in Tamil Nadu this week, leading to widespread flooding and waterlogging.

Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram were among the worst affected by the rainfall, which was the heaviest in the state since the 2015 floods.

At least 17 people have died in rain-related incidents this past week.

Rains receded in the northern districts and the skies cleared out on November 12, but heavy rains continued to lash Kanyakumari district affecting normalcy.

Floods in Kanyakumari. Image courtesy: Neelambaran A

Meanwhile, the delta districts reported severe crop damage to the extent of 1.6 lakh acres, and farmers have urged the state government for compensation.

Amidst the rains, the state recorded 812 new COVID-19 cases and 8 related fatalities on November 12, which is considerably less than last Friday’s 945 cases and 15 fatalities.

METROPOLIS COMES TO A STANDSTILL

Many flood-hit neighbourhoods in the Chennai metropolitan area were cut off from the rest of the city with little access to essential needs. People from many low-lying neighbourhoods were shifted to relief camps till water receded.

In the Perumbakkam resettlement colony. Image courtesy: Gavaskar

Power supply was disconnected in many neighbourhoods, arrival flights in Chennai were shortly suspended and a local holiday was declared for schools and colleges in various districts, bringing back haunting memories of the 2015 floods.

A heavy police force and Indian coastal guard personnel were deployed to carry out rescue operations in Chennai and surrounding regions. A total of 229 relief camps were set up across the state with food and medical facilities. Besides this, youth organisations also went on the ground to assist affected people.

Rescue operation by coast guards. Image courtesy: The Weather Channel

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the rain-battered northern districts and distributed relief material to the rain displaced families.

Even as rains receded and the sky cleared, waterlogging persisted in several parts of the metropolis. Read more

Additionally, the meteorological department announced that another fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the south Andaman sea by November 13.

WAR OF WORDS BETWEEN DMK, AIADMK

While the rains were battering the northern belt, on November 9 Chief Minister MK Stalin of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) accused the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government of being responsible for Chennai's poor stormwater drainage system by pilfering money from the Centre’s Smart City scheme.

Felling a fallen tree. Image Courtesy: Greater Chennai Corporation

He also said that his government will initiate a probe into AIADMK leader S P Velumani, who held the portfolio of municipal administration in the previous government. There is already an ongoing probe against Velumani in connection to tenders worth Rs 811 crore which were allotted to companies closely associated with him.

AIADMK, the principal opposition party in the state, rejected CM’s allegation and accused the DMK government of spreading slander and for not taking necessary preventive measures.

RIGHT-WING BUSY WITH PROPAGANDA

While Chennai was on red alert for the most part of the week, BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai was seen carrying out a photo-op while visiting an inundated area in the city on a boat. The video went viral on social media and drew flak from various corners.

Tamil Nadu BJP Treasurer SR Sekhar stirred controversy by claiming that the state capital has turned into a swimming pool and shared a photo of a flooded street. He was immediately exposed for sharing fake material.

RSS Seva Bharati members also spread fake news along with photos about helping a poor girl and her family in need. The person in the photo was exposed to be a social activist from North Chennai, and not associated with Seva Bharti.

LIKELY CASTE-MURDER OF DALIT MAN

Suresh Kumar (27), who was in a relationship with a dominant caste woman, died under mysterious circumstances in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari district. The family of the woman opposed their affair and apparently lodged a police complaint against him.

Suresh took his two-wheeler and headed to the Bhoothapandi police station. Thereafter, he was found battling for life at a grove near the house of the woman on November 7, and died soon after.

CPI LEADER MURDERED

Natesa Tamilarvan (42), a Tiruvarur district committee member of the Communist Party of India (CPI) was murdered in broad daylight on November 10. An unidentified gang waylaid him and attacked him with lethal weapons while he was on the way to Needamangalam in his car. He died on the spot with severe cut injuries.

Thamizharvan has been at the forefront of several land-related agitations for the farmers at Needamangalam.

ALLEGED SEXUAL ABUSE TAKES STUDENT’S LIFE

A 17-year-old schoolgirl allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her house in Coimbatore city on November 11, reportedly after she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her school teacher.

Under the leadership of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) a protest was staged and a memorandum submitted to the district collector on November 12. The accused teacher of the private school was arrested later in the day.

Image Courtesy: AIDWA, Tamil Nadu