Heavy Rain Lashes Chennai as IMD Keeps Tamil Nadu on Alert Till Oct 23
Image: Wikimedia Commons (file photo).
Heavy rain lashed Chennai and nearby districts over the weekend as the northeast monsoon entered an active phase over Tamil Nadu, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. A yellow alert is in place for 17 districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore and Tiruchi, with spells of rain expected until October 23, Deccan Herald reported.
Parrys Corner Records 36 cm
Parrys Corner recorded the highest rainfall in the city at 36 cm, followed by Kathivakkam at 34 cm, The News Minute reported, and waterlogging was reported at 35 locations. Outside Chennai, Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram district received 15 cm in the 24 hours ending 5.30 pm on Saturday, and Manalurpet in Kallakurichi 12 cm.
The RMC linked the spell to a cyclonic circulation over north Tamil Nadu and the adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh, and forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Chennai and nearby areas on Sunday.
Chief Minister Vijay Reviews City Preparations
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Ripon Building, watched live CCTV feeds in the control room and told officials to inspect areas that have flooded in the past and step up preventive work, ThePrint reported. The corporation has kept 1,189 vehicles, 133 boats, 227 temporary relief centres and 112 central kitchens ready, according to reports.
Residents in low-lying areas are advised to follow corporation and police advisories, avoid waterlogged subways and keep emergency numbers at hand.
Western Ghats and Kerala Next
IMD has forecast isolated very heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 20, and heavy rain over Kerala and Mahe through October 23, UNI reported. The RMC expects isolated very heavy rain in Western Ghats districts such as the Nilgiris and Theni on October 20, which raises the risk of landslips on hill roads.
The wet spell is expected to continue across the south through the week. Read IPB’s earlier report on IMD’s district-wise rain forecast for Tamil Nadu and Kerala and more in Weather Updates.
Based on IMD and RMC Chennai forecasts and reporting by Deccan Herald, The News Minute, ThePrint and UNI.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
