In anticipation of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days, seven teams from the 4th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), each comprising 30 rescuers and two canine units, have been mobilized across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The teams are set to be deployed in key districts, including Karaikal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, to assist in rescue and relief operations.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai reported on Tuesday that a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday, November 27. The system is expected to move northwards toward the Tamil Nadu coast, skirting Sri Lanka’s coastline.
S. Balachandran, Director of the RMC, Chennai, confirmed the development, saying, “The depression intensified into a deep depression this morning and is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm. Continuous monitoring is underway to track its movement and intensification.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple weather alerts, including a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur on November 26, extending to two other districts on November 27. Chennai has been placed under a yellow alert for heavy rain from November 27 to 29, with neighboring districts, including Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu, under yellow and orange alerts until November 30.
The city of Chennai and its suburbs have already experienced widespread rainfall, leading to waterlogging in several areas. Streets remain inundated with rainwater mixed with sewage, causing disruptions and forcing residents to remain indoors. Schools and colleges in multiple districts, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur, have been closed as a precautionary measure.
The IMD has forecast intense rainfall activity for November 26, with extremely heavy rain expected in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Karaikal. Heavy to very heavy rain is also predicted for isolated locations in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.
For November 27, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in most parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. On November 28, similar weather conditions are forecast, particularly in coastal Tamil Nadu and parts of interior Tamil Nadu.
(Inputs from ANI)