Chennai Cyclone: Chennai and several other regions of Tamil Nadu were hit by heavy rainfall on Tuesday causing significant disruption to daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted very heavy rainfall in one or two districts of the delta region within the next 24 hours. An orange alert has been issued for Chennai on October 15, with a red alert in place for October 16, signaling the potential for more intense weather conditions.
In anticipation of the rain, many residents in low-lying areas, such as Velachery, parked their vehicles on higher ground, like the Velachery flyover, to avoid potential flood damage. In the wake of the incessant rainfall, waterlogging was experienced in Koyambedu and Perungudi areas.
The downpour also prompted authorities to close schools and colleges as a precaution.
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'Low-Pressure System To Form Into Depression': IMD
On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the Integrated Control and Command Centre in Chennai to assess the situation on the ground.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a well-marked low-pressure system currently positioned over the central part of the South Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression. The weather system is predicted to move towards the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh coasts in the coming days. As a result, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for Chennai, Thiruvallur, and nearby districts over the next three days.
On Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted a review meeting with senior officials to discuss emergency preparedness. The state's Chief Secretary, N. Muruganandam, chaired a meeting with key officials, directing them to ensure adequate arrangements are made to handle the rain’s impact.
An advisory has been issued to fishermen, warning them not to venture into the seas due to rough conditions. IT companies in the districts have also been advised to allow their employees to work from home from October 15 to 18.
Authorities remain on high alert as the rain is expected to continue, with emergency services prepared to respond to any escalating situations.