Chennai and Tamil Nadu braces for a deluge as the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, issued a red alert across several coastal and delta districts for heavy rainfall. The weather office has forecast an intense five-day spell of rain, starting Tuesday, November 26, 2024, triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that was moving toward Sri Lanka.

Weather Forecast and Red Alert Zones

IMD categorized the system of weather as deep depression. It may further intensify and then may advance northwest, bringing extremely heavy rainfall in certain parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Districts where Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall has been issued:

Extremely heavy rain in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal on November 26.
Heavy rainfall is likely in Ramanathapuram and Tiruchirappalli districts on November 27

Other districts are also at a high risk

Heavy to very heavy falls with isolated extremely heavy falls would occur in Ariyalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Thanjavur during Delta Districts; Chennai, Puducherry, Villuppuram and Karaikal during Coastal and Adjoining Regions; and Sivaganga, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai during Interior Areas. Even the IMD has been emphatic about the chances of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places with overcast skies dominating during this time around Chennai and suburbs.

Deep Depression: A More Detailed Insight

The system causing the downpour is now located over the central parts of the southern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean. As on November 26, it is heading west-northwestward, in the direction of the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coastline.

Meteorologists predict that the depression will gain strength and develop into a deep depression before hitting the land. It is likely to cause extensive rainfall in Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts and the adjoining region of Puducherry.

Coastal and Delta Districts under focus

The coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, such as Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal, are likely to be the worst affected by heavy rainfall. The delta districts, such as Thanjavur and Tiruvarur, may also experience heavy downpours that will adversely affect agricultural activities and those in charge of local administration.

School Closures in Districts

District administrations have ordered school closures in many affected areas, ensuring safety amidst adverse weather:

• November 20: Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Tiruvarur districts closed educational institutions.
  
• November 19: Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi, and Karaikal declared holiday for schools. Colleges were closed in Karaikal. Only schools were closed in Thoothukudi.

Other places can be closed based on the further advancement of the weather system and damage to infrastructure and transport.

Rainfall Statistics: Chennai and Tamil Nadu

Since the beginning of October, Chennai has received around 55 cm of rainfall, which reflects a 9% deficit compared to the seasonal average. The whole of Tamil Nadu has recorded 33 cm of rainfall for the same period and has a deficit of 1%.

Though the state had seen some occasional heavy spells, the overall monsoon activity has been slightly below normal. So, the forecasted rainfall is crucial for balancing the seasonal deficit.

Chennai Weather Forecast

The city of Chennai along with its periphery is likely to experience thunderstorm followed by moderate showers and lightning in some areas over the next couple of days. The skies are expected to remain principally cloudy as the weather system continues its influence on the region.

Challenges and Readiness

Heavy rainfall is quite likely to bring about some challenges, namely causing urban floods, waterlogging, and disruptions in day-to-day activities. All coast and delta districts, especially those already experiencing deficiencies of rainfall, are likely to have agricultural loss due to excess water in fields.

Steps by the Authorities

Relief Measures Evacuation: District administrations have been advised to stay on high alert and set up relief shelters in areas prone to flooding.
Disaster Response Teams: Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) has been deputed in vulnerable areas to facilitate rescue work.
Infrastructure Checking: The district administration is clear stormwater drains with added emphasis on power backup in the areas likely to be waterlogged and prone to power cuts. Preparedness Matters
The deep depression reminds the world that weather systems are unpredictable, so it is necessary to move forward with proactive disaster management strategies. Tamil Nadu‘s mechanisms to handle monsoon-related challenges are substantial. Continued public awareness and cooperation are essential.

Residents Safety Alerts

Resident residing in those affected areas are advised to take extra precautions in the following manners:

• Avoid venturing into waterlogged areas and follow official advisories.
• Maintain a stock of emergency kits consisting of essential medicines, flashlights, and drinking water.
• Keep abreast with trusted weather forecasts as well as local authority and IMD issued warnings.

Looking Ahead

With Tamil Nadu now gearing up to face this strong spell of rains, there is an emphasis from this spell on the vulnerability the region tends to face with monsoon-type weather. While disruptive, the rains are the lifeblood of Tamil Nadu’s agriculture and the source of the water for it.

The red alert is a timely wake-up call for vigilance and preparedness on the part of authorities and citizens to face the challenges that lie ahead. At the minimum, coordinated efforts with strict adherence to safety measures can help Tamil Nadu ride the storm while reducing its damage to lives and livelihoods.

Tune in for updates as this situation unfolds. For the latest weather alerts and advisories, check with the IMD website or local news channels.