The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu's coastal areas as the region braces for heavy rainfall in the coming days. The low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to cause light to moderate rains in Chennai and other surrounding districts. The authorities have also issued a flood alert along the Adyar River in Chennai, and in Bengaluru, the city prepares for another round of downpours.
As heavy rains continue to pound Tamil Nadu, several districts are facing severe flood situations. The Chembarambakkam Lake and Poondi Sathymoorthy Sagar Reservoir are rapidly filling up, raising concerns for residents living along the banks of these water bodies. Over 23 districts have declared a holiday for schools and the National Disaster Response Force has been called in case of emergency. Here are five updates on the current situation in the state.
Officials in Chennai are keeping a close eye on the water level in Chembarambakkam Lake as heavy rains have caused it to rise to 21.19 feet. If it reaches 22 feet, water will be released, posing a flood risk for low-lying areas in Chennai and surrounding districts. The lake, which is one of the city's main sources of drinking water, was built centuries ago and holds historical significance. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued alerts for Tamil Nadu in anticipation of a low-pressure system near the Sri Lankan coast.
Schools in Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur in Southern India have been closed due to heavy rainfall in the region, which caused moderate to heavy rains in the past 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for moderate to heavy rainfall in several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until 10 am on Thursday. In addition, 14 districts in Southern India have declared school closures due to the severe rainfall, and some colleges in the region will also remain shut.
A tragic incident occurred in Chennai where a migrant worker, Chandan, lost his life outside an ATM due to heavy rains caused by cyclone Fengal. While trying to enter the ATM, he slipped and grabbed onto an electrical pole to balance himself. Tragically, he came in contact with a live wire and died of electrocution. The local police are investigating the case and the man's body has been sent for an autopsy.
Cyclone Fengal, currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Chennai tomorrow evening. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for the coastal areas of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the adjoining south Andhra Pradesh. With heavy rains and gusty winds predicted, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in four districts. The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has also issued an extremely heavy rainfall warning for three districts in Andhra Pradesh. Residents have been advised to take precautions and authorities are preparing for the impact of the cyclone.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to be on high alert for the possibility of flash floods in some parts of the state due to heavy rains brought by a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Naidu also expressed concern over the death of five individuals from diarrhoea in Vizianagaram district and ordered immediate action to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, live updates report that the Bay of Bengal cyclone is expected to make landfall on October 17, while heavy rains continue in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu for the next two days, prompting Chief Minister MK Stalin to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in four districts in Chennai on Tuesday, October 15. In addition, the government has also issued an advisory for IT professionals to work from home in affected areas from October 15 to 18. The Chief Minister has also instructed officials to deploy NDRF and SDRF teams in vulnerable areas to prepare for potential floods. Opposition parties, however, have boycotted a Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on the Waqf Bill.