Schools in Chennai and Puducherry are closed today because of intense rainfall.
Due to heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, schools in Chennai, Thiruvallur district, and Puducherry are closed today. The weather department predicts more showers in six districts, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Villupuram.
Velankanni in Nagapattinam received 17 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, and other areas like Cuddalore, Puducherry, Chengalpattu, and Chennai also experienced significant downpours.
Fishermen are advised to avoid the sea due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal expected to intensify into a depression.
Since October 1, Tamil Nadu has received 221 mm of rain, 17% below the normal average. The ongoing Northeast Monsoon is crucial for the state’s water and irrigation needs.
Chief Minister M K Stalin deployed ministers to oversee preparedness in affected districts, with senior bureaucrats monitoring 13 other districts. Concerned citizens can contact the control room at 1070 and 1077 or via WhatsApp at 9445869848.
Mr. Stalin visited the control room, reviewed preparedness, and engaged with district collectors. Water bodies, including reservoirs, are filling up, and low-lying areas in Cuddalore are inundated. Standing paddy crops in the delta region are submerged, causing concerns about major crop losses.
Chennai experienced no major waterlogging, credited to newly built stormwater drains. The Greater Chennai Corporation is monitoring unfinished work areas for quick intervention.
