A tragic incident occurred in Chennai on Saturday. A migrant worker from Odisha lost his life after being electrocuted during heavy rainfall and flooding. This disaster was a direct result of Cyclone Fengal, which caused severe weather conditions across the region. The worker, identified as Chandan, had moved to Chennai for employment opportunities.
Background
Chandan was working at a private showroom in Parrys. He had come to Chennai seeking a better life. Unfortunately, his life was cut short due to an unfortunate accident. On the day of the incident, Chandan attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM. This ATM was located near his home on Broadway.
Details of the Incident
As Chandan approached the ATM kiosk, he unknowingly encountered danger. He touched an iron pole positioned next to an electrical post. The pole was connected to a severed live wire. While trying to open the ATM kiosk door, he received an electric shock. The jolt struck him instantly and violently. Chandan was thrown onto the waterlogged street.
Emergency Response
Witnesses to the incident acted quickly. They rushed Chandan to a nearby government hospital for urgent medical care. Despite their efforts, Chandan was declared dead upon arrival. His tragic fate highlights the lethal combination of flooding and exposed electrical hazards.
Graphic Footage Circulates
In the wake of the incident, graphic footage circulated on social media. The footage showed Chandan’s lifeless body floating near the ATM in the flooded street. This image starkly illustrates the extent of the flooding caused by Cyclone Fengal’s rain. Many viewers were shocked by the graphic nature of the images, raising concerns about public safety during natural disasters.
Cyclone Fengal’s Impact
Cyclone Fengal made landfall in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. The storm brought intense rainfall and severe flooding to several areas. Many roads in Chennai became submerged, creating hazardous conditions. The flooding affected local infrastructure, including hospitals. In Chromepet, two government hospitals experienced severe inundation. Rainwater entered their premises, disrupting medical services for patients.
Community Reactions
The tragedy of Chandan’s death has drawn attention to the risks faced during extreme weather events. Local residents expressed their shock and sorrow at the incident. Many emphasized the need for improved safety measures around electrical installations during storms. They pointed out that the combination of flooding and exposed wires can create life-threatening situations.
Investigations Underway
The Muthialpet police have registered a case regarding Chandan’s electrocution. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific cause of the incident. Authorities are looking into whether adequate safety measures were in place, especially given the severe storm conditions. Local officials have a responsibility to ensure public safety during such natural disasters.
Raising Awareness About Safety
Chandan’s tragic death brings to light a critical issue: the heightened risk of electrocution during extreme weather events. It raises questions about public safety protocols. The necessity for proper maintenance of electrical infrastructure and effective communication about safe practices during storms is urgent. Public awareness campaigns could help educate individuals on avoiding hazards during extreme weather.
