Heavy rainfall in Chennai crippled the city, causing flooding, blocking roads and even forcing authorities to close schools today. As the Northeast Monsoon intensifies during its early onset, the India Meteorological Department has issued a cyclone warning for Tamil Nadu. The warning comes just hours after the meteorological agency issued a red alert in eight districts of the southern state – Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram. A red alert signals a warning of heavy rain. The state capital Chennai is under “orange” alert.
Are schools and offices closed?
Due to the heavy rainfall, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade declared a holiday for schools on Wednesday, with offices expected to function normally. According to a TOI report, colleges will also remain closed today.
District Collectors of Cuddalore, Villupuram and Ranipet have also announced holidays for schools and colleges of their districts, except Chennai. According to Tuesday’s announcement, only schools in Thoothukudi will be closed.
Puducherry and Karaikal administrations have announced that schools and colleges will be closed tomorrow due to the forecast of continuous heavy rains.
Why is it raining in Chennai?
Due to the low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is expected to receive heavy rainfall on October 22.
Meanwhile, Chennai’s iconic Marina Beach is witnessing sea turbulence with rough waves and strong winds lashing the shore. Authorities have urged fishermen not to venture into the sea as rough conditions are likely to prevail for several more days.
The Tamil Nadu government has intensified relief and humanitarian plans and has also made arrangements for neighboring Puducherry. The situation developed due to a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 400 km off the coast of Chennai.
“There is a possibility of the system intensifying into a depression by noon today. It is expected to occur off the coast of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh,” B. Amudha, Director, Regional Meteorological Centre, told NDTV.
