The Aryavarth Express
Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu): Continuous rainfall over the past few weeks has led to severe rainwater stagnation across urban areas of Thoothukudi, causing significant hardship for residents. Large volumes of water have accumulated in vacant residential plots, disrupting daily life and raising serious public health concerns.
Residents have alleged that rainwater has completely surrounded the cremation ground located in the central part of the city, making it extremely difficult to conduct burial and cremation rites. Fearing the outbreak of diseases if the situation continues, the public has urged concerned department officials to take immediate steps to drain the stagnant water and ensure basic facilities at the cremation grounds.
Visuals from several parts of the district show widespread waterlogging, highlighting the challenges faced by locals due to the prolonged rainfall.
Interestingly, the heavy rains have also brought an unexpected transformation to the region’s salt pans. On Thursday, the salt pans in Thoothukudi began resembling vast water bodies, creating a temporary haven for water birds. The number of small fish, insects, and other aquatic organisms has increased, attracting various species of birds—an uncommon sight in the area.
Large groups of birds were seen landing in the salt pans and actively foraging, offering a captivating spectacle for nature lovers and residents alike. In recent days, the district has also witnessed massive flocks of Rosy Starling birds forming striking patterns in the sky. Ornithologists say these birds migrate to southern districts during winter from Northwest Asia and Eastern Europe.
The sharp contrast between the hardships caused by waterlogging and the rare natural scenes unfolding in the salt pans underscores the unprecedented nature of this year’s rainfall in a region known for its natural beauty.
