Chennai: Due to forecasts of heavy to very heavy rain across coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, the District Collectors of Chennai and Chengalpattu announced that schools and colleges will remain closed in these areas.
A deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal is currently situated approximately 310 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 480 km south-southeast of Chennai, and 410 km southeast of Puducherry. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicts that this system may make landfall between Karaikkal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday, leading to substantial rainfall in coastal regions.
A red weather alert has been issued, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 24.4 cm in certain delta and northern coastal districts on Friday and Saturday as the system advances. Chennai and surrounding districts are expected to experience a similar alert on Saturday when the system crosses the Tamil Nadu coast. Districts like Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry are also in line for significant rainfall.
Moderate rainfall is anticipated across many areas of the state, while extremely heavy rain is expected in parts of Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam on Friday. Eight other districts, including Ranipet and Tiruchi, may also see heavy rain on the same day.
As heavy rain continues to impact the delta districts, notable amounts have been recorded in Nagapattinam, with Kodiyakarai receiving 20 mm and other areas like Vedaranyam and Tirupoondi reporting 10 mm each. Flooding has been reported in several low-lying neighborhoods in Velankanni and Nagore.
In response, the Nagapattinam district administration has set up a 24-hour control room with a toll-free helpline (04365-1077) for rain-related emergencies. Coastal regions are facing rough sea conditions, prompting officials to advise fishermen to remain onshore and keep all mechanized and motorized boats docked. In Cuddalore, wave heights have surged above 10 feet, compared to the usual 2 feet, leading to the issuance of Cyclone Warning Signal Number 3 at the port.
The district has mobilized rescue teams of 270 personnel and has prepared resources, including rescue boats and safety gear, at 16 fire stations. Furthermore, 28 cyclone shelters, 14 multi-purpose safety centers, and 191 temporary relief camps are being operated across the district, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) on standby for assistance.