The northeast monsoon has intensified across Tamil Nadu, with the state's Meteorological Department issuing a red alert in eight districts, and an orange alert in Chennai and its adjoining districts.
Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram districts, which have been put on red alert, are expected to receive intense rainfall.
While 10 more districts around Chennai have been put on orange alert. As Tamil Nadu is bracing for two days long heavy rainfall, many of the district administrations have closed schools and other educational institutions.
The heavy rainfall is being driven by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to strengthen further.
Many southern districts saw rainwater inundating roads, streets, and homes, causing severe inconvenience to residents.
The capital, Chennai, has not been spared, with reports of fallen trees and rapidly rising water levels in major lakes.
Many of the district administrations have closed schools and other educational institutions.
Chief Minister MK Stalin has ordered precautionary measures to be implemented amid the downpour. Stalin has ordered that relief camps must be ready for relief work.
On October 21, Chennai’s weather station received the highest rainfall of about 61.8 mm. This was followed by Pamban in Ramanathapuram, getting 53 mm of rain and Madurai district receiving 41 mm of rain.
The authorities have also advised the fishermen community to stay onshore.
The Chennai Met department has forecast heavy rains until October 22, after which its intensity will come down to moderate and light rain.
The low-pressure area was formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a cyclone in the coming days.
The India Meteorological Department warned that strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the coastal regions.
