Thoothukudi, Oct. 23 -- A rare piece of living history in Tamil Nadu's coastal town of Thoothukudi has suffered severe damage following torrential rain and severe thunderstorms.

An ancient African baobab tree, believed to be nearly 350 years old and rooted on the historic premises of the 174-year-old SAV Higher Secondary School, has split into two parts, sparking deep concern among locals and alumni.

The historic tree, standing tall on the grounds of the Saraswati Anglo Vernacular (SAV) Higher Secondary School, founded in 1851, has long been a monumental landmark of the institution.

Following the recent split, Dr S Sivasailam, a psychiatrist and former student who has lived in Thoothukudi for three decades, has made an earnest appeal t...