With the Northeast Monsoon bringing relentless rains and triggering flood warnings in Tamil Nadu, the state authorities has declared a public vacation for colleges, faculties, and authorities places of work in Chennai and the neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu for October 16. The choice, introduced by Chief Minister MK Stalin, comes because the India Meteorological Division predicts extra rainfall for the state.
The IMD forecast means that the worst is but to come back, with rains anticipated to accentuate on October 16, earlier than really fizzling out by October 18. The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which has already precipitated havoc in Chennai and its neighbouring districts, is predicted to strengthen right into a melancholy because it strikes in direction of the coast.
In response, the state has arrange 931 reduction centres, guaranteeing that meals and medical care can be found to these affected by the floods.
Because the rains proceed to batter Chennai and close by areas, the Larger Chennai Company (GCC) has deployed 1000’s of staff, pumps, and reduction groups throughout the town.
The IMD has issued a pink alert for Chennai and different districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the following two days. This announcement has prompted the federal government to increase the vacation for instructional establishments, and personal firms have been suggested to permit workers to earn a living from home.
Chennai, a metropolis of about 11 million, has been experiencing intermittent heavy downpours since Monday evening. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai reported that the town recorded a median of 6.9 cm of rainfall between 8:30 am on Monday and eight:00 am Tuesday, with areas like Ennore receiving as a lot as 10 cm. Manali, Kolathur, and T V Okay. Nagar recorded 9 cm every.
By Tuesday morning, waterlogged streets and flooded low-lying areas had introduced visitors to a standstill. Town’s arterial roads, usually susceptible to flooding, have been submerged underneath a number of inches of water. Public transportation was severely impacted, with solely a handful of buses working within the morning hours, whereas autorickshaw drivers deserted the streets for security issues.
The federal government, studying from previous monsoon disasters, has mobilised important assets to fight the disaster. Twenty-six groups from the Nationwide Catastrophe Response Drive (NDRF) and State Catastrophe Response Drive (SDRF) have been deployed throughout 5 coastal districts, with particular consideration given to Chennai. Boats, tractors outfitted with pumps, and emergency reduction supplies have been strategically positioned in flood-prone areas, notably in neighbourhoods like Velachery and Pallikaranai.
Chief Minister Stalin visited a number of residential localities within the metropolis on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been visiting a number of areas within the metropolis since Monday evening to coordinate reduction efforts and monitor the water logging points.
“We’re monitoring the state of affairs carefully and taking all vital steps to handle the flooding,” Udhayanidhi stated throughout a go to to the Built-in Command and Management Centre on the Ripon Constructing. He stated there are groups coordinating experiences to handle water stagnation and different points.
Energy provide has remained steady in most elements of the town, however Tangedco, the state’s electrical energy supplier, has been pressured to close down energy in a number of localities susceptible to flooding.
Air journey has additionally been severely impacted, with 12 flights cancelled and 23 flights delayed at Chennai Worldwide Airport as a result of dangerous climate and poor visibility. A number of flights from Singapore, Muscat, and home cities like Bhubaneswar and Coimbatore have been cancelled, whereas arrivals from Mumbai and Singapore have been delayed by almost two hours.
Passengers have been suggested to examine with airways for updates earlier than heading to the airport.
