CHENNAI: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, as a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensifies into a deep depression and is forecast to develop into Cyclone Fengal on Wednesday, November 27.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Cuddalore. In anticipation of the severe weather, authorities have declared holidays for schools in affected areas, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai. Schools and colleges in districts like Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai will also remain closed.
The weather department has predicted widespread light to moderate rainfall, with occasional heavy showers expected to continue through Thursday, November 28.
Weather Alerts and Predictions:
- November 27: Light to moderate rainfall is expected in many parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated spots. Other districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Nagapattinam, are expected to see heavy rain.
- November 28: Light to moderate rain will persist, with thunderstorms and lightning. Coastal Tamil Nadu will experience widespread rainfall, while the interior will see scattered showers. Heavy rain is expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram, with additional rainfall in districts like Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi.
- The IMD has also issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema from November 28 to 30.
State Preparations for Cyclone Fengal: In response to the cyclone threat, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin chaired an emergency meeting on Tuesday to review preparedness. The state has deployed 17 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local disaster management units to high-risk districts, including Chennai, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Thanjavur.
Rainfall has already been reported in Chennai and surrounding areas, including Chengalpettu, Kanchipuram, and northern coastal Cuddalore. While heavy rain has been recorded in some areas, the overall situation is under control.
The state has set up 1,634 relief centers, although none have been activated yet. Essential equipment such as generators, motor pumps, boats, and other machinery are on standby, and first responders and volunteers are ready for deployment if necessary.
In addition to emergency measures, state-run Aavin has ensured the continuous supply of milk to the public. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, after inspecting the city, urged officials to continue preventive measures against flooding, including ongoing canal desilting efforts.
Cyclone Fengal is expected to bring more challenges over the coming days, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.
