35 dead in rain-related incidents in southern India

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) — At least 35 people have died in rain-related incidents over the past week in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, hit by heavy downpour, officials said on Saturday.

Raman S., a senior disaster official in the state, told Anadolu that the incidents have been reported from across different districts of the state since Dec. 17.

“The rescue operation is over now. We are providing food to the affected population and kitchens have been opened at several places,” he said.

Officials said thousands have been rescued after heavy rainfall hit several districts of the southern state, inundating roads and neighborhoods.

Rain and flooding had already thrown daily life out of gear after Cyclone Michaung hit the state earlier this month, killing at least 12 people.

The Indian Air Force, currently undertaking a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in the state, said Saturday that the operation continued for the fifth day in south Tamil Nadu, affected by landslides and floods.

It said helicopters dropped over 11 tons of relief materials in 12 different places in Thoothkudi district.