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Chennai, Oct 19 (IANS) Torrential rains and swollen Mullaperiyar river in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district have left several villages inundated, leaving people in utter devastation and despair. The residents here are calling it the worst flood in three decades.
The swollen river burst its banks on Sunday morning, flooding low-lying areas of Uthampalayam, Veerapandi, Uppukottai and Palanichettipatti. As the water level rose, houses, fields and roads were rapidly inundated.
Locals said floodwaters entered residential areas within a few hours, forcing many families to flee to higher ground. The road leading to the famous Veerapandi Goumariamman temple was completely washed away, blocking access to the temple and surrounding settlements.
More than 200 acres of paddy ready for harvesting was submerged and standing crops of banana, coconut and maize were also destroyed. R., a farmer from Veerapandi. “We were preparing to harvest next week, but everything is gone,” Raman said, looking at his flooded fields in disbelief.
Residents said that snakes and wild creatures have entered the villages in the flood waters, which has further increased the panic. Malathi, a resident of Uthampalayam, said, “It is frightening, especially for families with children. We cannot even go out without fear.”
In Anjaneya Nagar near Palanichettipalayam, several houses were submerged, prompting the Fire and Rescue Services Department to carry out a dramatic rescue operation.
Rescue teams rescued the stranded residents till late night using JCB machines and boats. Local people blamed the authorities’ lack of preparedness for the magnitude of the disaster. Another resident said, “If precautionary measures had been taken when the water level rose, we would not have faced such damage today.”
Theni district administration officials said relief and rescue operations were in full swing, with temporary shelters being set up in schools and public halls. However, as heavy rains continue to fall in the area, the possibility of further flooding remains.
The simmering anger in Mullaperiyar has once again revived the demand for a long-term flood management plan to protect the sensitive villages along its banks.
–IANS
AL/DPB