The ballast beneath the iron railway lines washed away by torrential downpours, leaving the tracks hanging precariously on cement slabs.
Rescue efforts were also halted, according to NDTV, as the road leading to the train station flooded.
Why is this story important?
Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been suffering severe downpours for two days, forcing floods in numerous locations and pushing the Thamaraparani River beyond its banks.
On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) projected heavy to heavy rains in both states for two-three days.
Incessant downpour has also disrupted transportation, with at least 17 trains either being partially or totally canceled in Tamil Nadu.
All passengers are safe, confirms Southern Railway
Meanwhile, the Southern Railway has released a statement claiming that the passengers are safe.
“The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is trying to reach the station. Efforts are ongoing to airdrop food,” stated Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) Guhanesan.
In addition to the 500 persons stranded on the Srivaikuntam Railway Station, 300 others are refuge in a neighbouring school.
Railway rails float in the air
Tirunelveli – Tiruchendur Train route floating tracks #Tirunelveli #Tiruchendur #rain #floods #TirunelveliRains #Tutucorin #NellaiFloods pic.twitter.com/6xokLGYeaO
— Pradeepkrishnan (@Pranavfotos) December 18, 2023
4 dead, authorities announce public holiday
Four southern Tamil Nadu districts—Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari—have been receiving heavy rainfall for two days.
Authorities also announced a public holiday in all four impacted regions on Monday. Schools, colleges, banks, and public and private companies remained shut.
Reportedly, one person in Tuticorin and three in Chennai lost their lives in rain-related situations.
Moreover, the Agasthiyar waterfall also surged due to severe rainfall.
Parts of four districts are submerged in knee-to-waist deep water.
Up to the early hours of Monday, Thiruchendur in the Tuticorin district received an incredible 60cm of rain in just 15 hours.
The Tirunelveli district’s Nalumukku and Palayamkottai sectors reported a 19 and 26 centimetres of rain, respectively, while Kanyakumari recorded 17 centimetres.
Parts of the districts of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari have been submerged in knee-to-waist-deep water due to water being released from the Papanasam, Perunjani, and Pechuparai dams.