On 14 October 2024, heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including that of a minor, due to fallen electric poles. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange alert for 11 districts, including Chennai, which will remain in effect until 18 October 2024. As the northeast monsoon approaches, concerns are mounting that these fatalities might have been avoided with better infrastructure preparedness.
In response, A. Ashvathaman, State Secretary of the Tamil Nadu BJP, condemned the ruling DMK, calling for immediate compensation of ₹10 lakhs for the victims. He also questioned whether the DMK plans to provide compensation solely for deaths related to illegal liquor.
Ashvathaman via his official X account stated, “Provide 10 lakhs to the families of those who died due to electrocution! A total of 4 people died yesterday in a single day, namely Ganesan in Mellur of Madurai district, Aiyakannu near Karaikudi in Sivagangai district, a 13-year-old girl named Gayathiri in Ramanantham near Kolunthurai in Cuddalore district, and Kumaresan near Ambur in Tirupathur district. 5 people died in airshow at Marina as arrangements were not done properly by the state government. The Dravida model government should immediately provide a compensation of 10 lakhs each to the families of these 9 people.”
“Will the Dravidian model government give compensation only to those who died consuming illicit liquor?! All these deaths are due to the irresponsibility of the Dravidian model government. The Dravidian model government should take moral responsibility and immediately release compensation to the families of the deceased,” he questioned
“After Senthil Balaji took charge again as the Minister of Electricity, the electricity sector has started to perform very badly. Several hours of power cut continues in the capital city Chennai.When the public visited Mayiladuthurai Courtallam where the power cut continued throughout the night, the electrical workers there were lying drunk. Senthil Balaji is also the Minister of Liquor. So he only does that job of selling liquor regularly. Therefore, the irregularities in the power sector should be removed immediately. With the onset of monsoon, deaths due to falling power lines must be prevented,” he added
மின்சார கம்பி அறுந்து விழுந்து இறந்தவர்களின் குடும்பங்களுக்கு 10 லட்சம் வழங்குக!⁰
தமிழகத்தில் பல இடங்களில் மின்சார கம்பிகள் அறுந்து விழுந்து மதுரை மாவட்டம் மேலூரில் கணேசன், சிவகங்கை மாவட்டம் காரைக்குடி அருகே அய்யாக்கண்ணு, கடலூர் மாவட்டம் தொழுதூரை அடுத்த இராமநத்தம் பகுதியில்… pic.twitter.com/C0mJl7Jdqa— Ashvathaman Allimuthu (@asuvathaman) October 14, 2024
PMK founder S. Ramadoss has also issued a strong condemnation of the DMK, claiming the government has failed to prevent flooding in Coimbatore, Madurai, and other districts during recent rains. He warned that Chennai is likely to face similar issues due to incomplete stormwater drain projects in the city.
In a statement, Ramadoss noted that residents are already suffering from the effects of rain before the northeast monsoon officially begins. He highlighted that streets in Coimbatore and Madurai were inundated, and normal life has been disrupted in Pudukottai, Sivaganga, Karur, and Virudhunagar as well. He attributed these problems to inadequate stormwater drainage and lack of desilting in irrigation canals.
Citing the tragic deaths of four individuals in one day due to the rains, he criticized the state government and the Electricity Department for their lack of precautionary measures.
“Despite Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and the Chief Secretary reviewing monsoon preparedness last month, no tangible progress has been made. With heavy rainfall warnings issued for Chennai, residents are understandably anxious about what lies ahead,” he stated.
Ramadoss pointed out that stormwater drainage work remains unfinished at over 45 locations in Chennai, stressing that the government and Greater Chennai Corporation are relying on boats and motor pumps for flood management. “The civic body must take all necessary steps to safeguard the public,” he urged.
வெள்ளத்தில் மிதக்கும் கோவை, மதுரை; மின்சாரம் தாக்கி 4 அப்பாவிகள் உயிரிழப்பு :அடுத்த சில நாட்களில் சென்னை மாநகரம் என்ன ஆகுமோ? இது தான் பருவமழையை எதிர்கொள்ளும் அழகா?
தமிழ்நாட்டில் வடகிழக்கு பருவமழை அதிகாரப்பூர்வமாகத் தொடங்குவதற்கு முன்பே மாநிலம் முழுவதும் உள்ள மக்கள் அதன்…
— Dr S RAMADOSS (@drramadoss) October 14, 2024
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