Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Chennai and five other districts of Tamilnadu from 10-12 November, indicating heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the city and surrounding areas owing to the northeast monsoon.
A red alert indicates a downpour of over 204.4 millimetres in 24 hours. Talking about the current flood situation in Tamilnadu, NDRF Director General SN Pradhan said, ‘the first stage of the Chennai rains is almost over. However, IMD has predicted extreme rainfall for the next 3 days. Hence, more than 20 NDRF teams will be deployed in Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh.’
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for 14 districts of Tamilnadu, which include Nagapattinam, Ranipet, Salem, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and state capital Chennai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already spoken to Chief Minister MK Stalin and necessary steps are being taken. Haunted by the 2015 deluge, all local officials, as well as the general public, are working on effective relief and rescue strategy.
In Chennai, most roads and bylanes were covered under sheets of water while there was water upto two feet in low lying localities. Power supply has also been disconnected for several neighbourhoods considering safety.
A flooded city police station, Adambakkam had to be shifted to a temporary building. At least 75 trees got uprooted here and these were cleared by civic personnel. Monsoon rains picked pace for a while and receded for some time, playing hide and seek through the day, Chennai and in several other regions including the northern districts.
The city saw heavy to very heavy rainfall on 7 November. Chennai received 215 mm rainfall in one day, the second-highest 24-hour rainfall during the decade, according to Skymet Weather.
Dindigul District Collector S Visakan said, ‘Dindigul, Kodaikanal and its environs are likely to experience landslides on the Kodaikanal-Adukkam-Periyakulam state highway due to the northeast monsoon. As a precautionary measure vehicular movement stopped on the highway.’
Community Kitchens are up and running in the surrounding areas of Chennai. Schools, colleges have been closed. People have been advised to work from home. Neighbouring States of Tamilnadu such as Andhra Pradesh may also receive rainfall due to the low-pressure system created.
