Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai: In anticipation of heavy rain, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts to remain closed today. Chief Minister MK Stalin has also urged information technology (IT) companies in these districts to allow employees to work from home until October 18.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the next three days. “Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal between October 12 and 16, with the most intense downpours likely on October 14 and 15,” the IMD said, issuing an orange alert for the period from October 14 to 16.
Weather Alert and Monsoon Preparedness
According to the IMD, a low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal early Monday morning. This system is expected to intensify and move northwestward toward the northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh coasts over the next two days, potentially causing significant rainfall.
In response, Chief Minister Stalin convened a meeting on Monday to assess the state’s monsoon preparedness. Chennai Corporation Commissioner reported that 990 pumps and 57 tractors equipped with pump sets are on standby. Additionally, 36 motorboats, along with large quantities of bleach powder, lime powder, and phenol, have been prepared for immediate use in flood management and sanitation efforts.
On-ground Inspection and Precautionary Measures
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted an inspection of Narayanapuram lake banks and Ambedkar road canals, monitoring areas vulnerable to flooding due to the impending rains. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he shared updates on the government’s preparations: “As heavy rains are falling in various parts of Chennai, as per the directions of Chief Minister MK Stalin, we conducted a survey on the banks of Narayanapuram Lake between Pallikaranai and Kovilambakkam.”
The Tamil Nadu government has urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines during the period of heavy rainfall. With significant rain expected in the coming days, the administration is focused on minimizing disruptions and ensuring the safety of the population.
