Tamil Nadu: Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in various parts of Tamil Nadu, notably Chennai, on Sunday, resulting in widespread traffic congestion. The relentless downpour prompted authorities to declare holidays for schools and colleges in several districts, including Puducherry, Nagapattinam, Kilvelur Taluk, Viluppuram, and Cuddalore.
In response to the continuous heavy rain in Puducherry over the last 24 hours, Chief Minister N Rangasamy announced the closure of all schools and colleges in the Union Territory on Monday. Similarly, schools in Kallakurichi, Ranipet, Vellore, and Tiruvannamalai were declared closed for the day.
“Fishermen were issued warnings to refrain from venturing into the sea due to the heavy rain attributed to a trough of easterlies in the Southwest Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts more rain in various Tamil Nadu districts for the upcoming week”.
Nagapattinam experienced overnight rainfall, and the IMD forecasts continued moderate rain in isolated places over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur districts, along with Karaikal.
The weather department further anticipates light to moderate rain with occasional intense spells, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, over the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and daytime light rain with thunderstorms and lightning.
“The prevailing strong easterly/northeasterly winds at lower tropospheric levels, coupled with favorable conditions for moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, contribute to the ongoing spell of rainfall in Tamil Nadu”.
This year has seen Tamil Nadu grappling with unprecedented rainfall, with earlier incidents like Cyclone Michaung causing heavy rains in Chennai and surrounding areas, leading to substantial destruction. Recently, southern districts of Tamil Nadu experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in significant losses to public and private property, amounting to crores. The continuous challenges posed by adverse weather underscore the region’s vulnerability to extreme climatic events.
