Unprecedented Rains Leave 800 Train Passengers Stranded in Flood-Hit Tamil Nadu

The southern districts of Tamil Nadu are witnessing a catastrophic deluge, with incessant rains leading to severe flooding, disrupting lives and communication. Defense forces, in a full-scale operation, are working tirelessly to rescue inhabitants trapped in their marooned dwellings.
In the midst of this natural calamity, a Chennai-bound train from Tiruchendur has been trapped by the floods at Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district, leaving as many as 800 passengers stranded.

The ordeal began on the evening of December 17 when the Tiruchendur-Chennai Egmore Express (Train No 20606) was forced to a standstill at Srivaikuntam station due to the overwhelming flood situation.

Railway authorities have reported that around 500 passengers are sheltered within the Srivaikuntam railway station premises, and about 300 are housed in a nearby school.

The Southern Railway has halted all train movement on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route, especially between Srivaikuntam and Seydunganallur, due to significant damage to the railway infrastructure.

According to Southern Railway's statement, the rescue efforts are hampered by overflowing bridges, making transportation of the stranded passengers exceedingly difficult.

They have coordinated with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state officials to aid in evacuating passengers. The immediate focus is on providing food and water, with state police already distributing food packets to those sheltered in the school. – TWL Bureau