Heavy Rains Trigger Alerts, Disrupt Daily Life In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Kerala

As Chembarambakkam Lake reached 21.19 feet, nearing its threshold, officials have warned of potential flooding in low-lying areas, including Chennai, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu.

Vehicles wade through water in Chennai on Thursday

Source : PTI

Widespread rainfall has been reported in the south of India especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The India Meterological Department (IMD) has issued red, yellow and orange alerts to some of the districts in these states. The rainfall is reportedly caused due to the low pressure area moving towards South Tamil Nadu. However, the system is expected to gradually weaken during the next 12 hours.

According to IMD: "Yesterday's well marked low pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal & adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean lay over Gulf of Mannar & neighbourhood at 0300 UTC of today, the 12th December, 2024 with the associated upper air cyclonic circulation extending up to mid-tropospheric levels. The system is very likely to continue to move west-northwestwards towards South Tamil Nadu and weaken gradually during the next 12 hours."

Tamil Nadu rains

Widespread rains lashed Tamil Nadu on Thursday leading to holidays for schools in Chennai and several districts. Authorities opened the shutters of major dams as water levels approached capacity.

Till now as per the reservoir discharge, Sathanur Dam in Tiruvannamalai released 13,000 cusecs, Chembarambakkam Dam released 3,500 cusecs and Poondi Reservoir released 1,000 cusecs.

In Chennai, the Chembarambakkam Lake is the crucial drinking water source. Till Thursday,  Chembarambakkam Lake reached 21.19 feet, nearing its 22-feet threshold for discharge. Following this, officials have warned of potential flooding in low-lying areas, including Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu. Currently, six NDRF teams are on standby to assist with rescue operations if needed. 

Karnataka Weather Update

In Karnataka, rainfall in Bengaluru and parts of south interior and coastal Karnataka caused significant traffic congestion. According to IMD, moderate rain is expected in Bengaluru and surrounding areas over the next 24 hours. 

The IMD also said that heavy rain is expected in Mandya, Kolar, Tumkur, Mysuru, Bengaluru Rural, and Urban districts while dry weather likely in north interior Karnataka by December 14.

Kerala: Red Alert In 3 Districts

In the wake of heavy rainfall in Kerala, the IMD has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts, warning of rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours.

The IMD issued orange alert to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Thrissur. It also issued yellow alert to Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. The IMD also predicted light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms across Kerala for the next five days and warned of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated regions.

Authorities across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely.