Weather: Rain wreaks havoc in Tamil Nadu, schools closed after red alert in several districts

Schools in Chennai have been declared closed. According to the Meteorological Department, this downpour is expected to continue for the next 24 hours.

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been experiencing continuous rainfall for the past 24 hours.

The heavy downpour has disrupted normal life in several Tamil Nadu cities.

Schools in Chennai have been declared closed. According to the Meteorological Department, this downpour is expected to continue for the next 24 hours.

As the cyclonic storm intensifies in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, coastal areas have witnessed heavy rainfall. The sea is also in high tide due to this cyclone. The IMD had already issued a red alert for rain along the Tamil Nadu coast.

Heavy Rain in Several Districts of Tamil Nadu
According to the local Meteorological Department, heavy rainfall has already been reported in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Between 8:30 am on Tuesday and 5:30 am on Wednesday, Cuddalore recorded the highest rainfall of 174 mm. Meanwhile, 146.5 mm of rain was reported in Puducherry, 100 mm in Kalavai, 95 mm in Neyveli, and 89 mm in Chennai. Light rain also fell in several interior districts, including 41 mm in Madurai, 28 mm in Tiruchirappalli, and 18.9 mm in Salem.

Continuous Rains Worsen Situation
Continuous rains in Tamil Nadu reportedly caused water levels in ponds to rise. Tree branches fell in Chennai overnight, causing the Mettur Dam to fill beyond its capacity. In addition to intermittent heavy rains in Chennai, coastal districts are also experiencing heavy rainfall.

CM Stalin Holds Meeting
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting amid heavy rains in the state. The CM directed officials to remain vigilant and remain on the ground for rescue and relief operations.

Schools in Chennai remain closed
Schools in Chennai have been ordered closed amid heavy rain warnings. Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddhartha Jagade stated that the closure was for the safety of children.

IMD Warning
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of northern coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining southern Andhra Pradesh over the next 24 hours. Fishermen have been advised to stay away from coastal areas due to inclement weather. They have also been advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal. Furthermore, the department stated that weather models indicate the formation of another low-pressure area by the end of the month, which could turn into a cyclone.