Tamil Nadu CM Stalin reviewed the rain preparedness measures taken by District Collectors as Cyclone Fengal is set to bring heavy to very heavy rain across the state for the next few days.
Published Nov 26, 2024 | 5:37 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 27, 2024 | 12:53 AM
Heavy rains expected to lash Tamil Nadu; CM reviews precautionary measures
Several districts in Tamil Nadu received heavy to very heavy rainfall on Tuesday, November 26, under the influence of a depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal that intensified into a deep depression.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the deep depression is expected to intensify into Cyclone Fengal on Wednesday, 27, the state braced for its impact and dispatched seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to Karaikkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai. These districts are likely to be most impacted by the cyclone.
A holiday has been declared for all educational institutions, including colleges, in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Thiruvallur, and Villupuram on Wednesday. Schools in Chennai, and Chengalpattu will also remain closed.
The Union Territory of Puducherry has also declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Wednesday. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea.
The IMD predicted the rains to continue in Tamil Nadu till 29 November. In the next 24 hours, Mayiladuthurai, Karaikal, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam may receive heavy rains, according to the Director of the Southern Regional Meteorological Centre, Balachandran.
Red and orange alerts have been issued for several districts in Tamil Nadu until 29 November.
Meanwhile, several areas in Chennai witnessed widespread rains since Tuesday morning. Roads were flooded and traffic congestion choked several pockets.
Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted a meeting with district collectors and reviewed the state’s preparedness.
In the review meeting conducted via video conference, the state’s Chief Secretary Muruganantham and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran took part and oversaw the preparatory measures.
#TamilNadu Chief Minister @mkstalin held a video conference with the district collectors of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Mayiladuthurai to discuss precautionary measures ahead of heavy rains.
Chief Secretary Muruganantham and Disaster Management… pic.twitter.com/0XTn2CLnTe
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) November 26, 2024
All the NDRF teams are self-contained and possess all equipment needed to launch search and rescue operations, and other appropriate equipment. A 24×7 control room has been opened in Arakkonam to keep a close eye on the situation around the clock and necessary measures are being taken in collaboration with the State Emergency Operation Control.
Speaking to media personnel on Tuesday, 26 November, Balachandran confirmed that the low-pressure area had strengthened into a deep depression. It is expected to turn into Cyclone Fengal by 27 November.
Though the landfall of Cyclone Fengal hasn’t yet been predicted, he warned that there is a high possibility of heavy rain in Tamil Nadu’s delta districts.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall can be expected in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry till 29 November, with isolated places receiving extremely heavy rainfall. Below is the details of red, orange and yellow alerts issued across the state and the UT for Wednesday, 27 November.
Red Alert: IMD has predicted extremely heavy rainfall for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai districts and Karaikal area on 27 November.
Orange Alert: Heavy to very heavy rain can be expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Pudukkottai districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Yellow Alert: Moderate rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places across Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts.
Cyclone Fengal, named by Saudi Arabia, has Arabic roots and emphasises the regional diversity within the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific.
(Edited by Neena with inputs from Baskar P and Nitika K Shivani)
