Chennai and surrounding areas are bracing for heavy rainfall as a depression in the Bay of Bengal intensifies, with predictions indicating that it will make landfall on October 17. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall that could exceed 20 cm in some areas. This weather system has already caused significant disruptions, leading to power outages and flight cancellations across the region.
Current Weather Situation
Chennai has been experiencing relentless rainfall for the past two days, marking the onset of the northeast monsoon. Reports indicate that areas like Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 13 cm and 10 cm of rain, respectively, by Tuesday evening. The continuous downpour has resulted in knee-deep water on roads, crippling public transportation and causing major traffic snarls throughout the city. Many residents have been left stranded as essential services struggle to cope with the flooding.
IMD’s Forecast and Alerts
The IMD has confirmed that the depression is currently located about 320 km east-southeast of Chennai and is expected to move west-northwestward towards the Tamil Nadu coast. The weather department predicts that the system will cross between Puducherry and Nellore, likely impacting Chennai directly during the early hours of October 17. An orange alert has also been issued for several districts, including Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu, indicating that heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated.
Emergency Measures and Relief Efforts
In response to the worsening conditions, the Tamil Nadu government has declared holidays for schools and colleges in affected districts. Essential services such as police, fire departments, and medical facilities will continue to operate normally. To assist those in rain-hit areas, drone technology is being deployed by Garuda Aerospace in collaboration with local authorities to deliver food and medical supplies to inaccessible locations.
Conclusion
As Chennai prepares for the impending cyclone, residents are urged to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to remain updated on weather advisories. While the situation is evolving rapidly, authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rains and ensure public safety.Disclaimer: This article is based on current weather forecasts and reports from reliable sources. Conditions may change rapidly; residents should follow local news updates and heed official warnings from meteorological authorities.
