Rain floods Samayapuram temple

As the rainwater entered the Samayapuram temple, the devotees in the shrine were forced to wade through the water from the santum sanctorum. However, the temple staff quickly swung into action and the water was drained starting late on Monday night until early morning on Tuesday. 

Several people were forced to endure the extreme rainfall and inundation as most of the drains were clogged and the roads in the city became flooded. According to the RMD, the district reported an average of 45.4 mm rainfall on Monday night. 

Police sources said, “With most of the city roads flooded with rainwater, severe traffic bottlenecks were witnessed in several spots, including Thillai Nagar, Palakkarai, parts of Gandhi Market and Main Guard Gate. 

Despite attempts by traffic police officers, the snarls lasted for several hours into the night.” Nearly five road accidents were reported in the city limits. Officials said that some of the incidents were caused by stagnant rainwater. However, only a drizzle was witnessed on Tuesday. 

Both Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts experienced heavy rain in the 24 hours ending 8 am on Tuesday shoring up farmers anticipation of good harvest. While Vellore received as much as 524 mm averaging 43.6 mm in its 13 rain gauge stations, Arcot received the highest rainfall of 94 mm followed by Alangayam with 75.2 mm, Vaniyambadi with 50 mm, Ambur with 42.4 mm and Wallajahpet with 34 mm. 

Tiruvannamalai’s nine rain stations totaled 521 mm averaging 57.89 mm with the highest rainfall being recorded at Chengam (82.6 mm) followed by Tiruvannamalai with 65.1 mm and Cheyyar with 62 mm. The heavy rain resulted in trees being uprooted at Ammapalayam on the Arni-Vellore road.

The body of a 16-year-old boy, who was swept away in a drain during heavy rain in Salem district, was retrieved after a day-long search on Tuesday. A team of around 50 fire and rescue personnel carried out an intensive search and found his body in Rajavaikal near Karuvattupalam, almost a kilometre away from the spot where he died.