The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for several districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu for October 16, predicting extremely heavy rainfall. Places could witness up to 21 cm in some isolated areas. The state government has a spate of precautionary measures to minimize the impact of the rainfall.
Precautions and Caution Advises
Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai asked the district Congress secretaries to establish control rooms at the district and ward levels to help people during the rains. Even Chief Minister MK Stalin announced holiday on October 16 for schools and colleges in Chennai and surrounding districts. He also appealed to private IT companies to allow work from home for its employees from 15th to 18th October. The Regional Meteorological Centre has also issued warnings. As low-pressure system is developing over the southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to bring extremely heavy rain. It will track northwest in the coming days, affecting northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh.
Relief Efforts and Emergency Response
Chennai civic authorities have placed more than 300 specially trained policemen in low-lying areas. Meanwhile, a temporary control room has been opened for emergency services. Rescue boats and equipment stand by in vulnerable areas. And more than 160 relief centers in the most vulnerable areas, providing essentials such as food and medical supplies. Predictions are that this cyclonic circulation would intensify into a well-marked low-pressure system in the coming days. The northern districts may continue to experience continuous rains for 36-48 hours and authorities are therefore, on its high alert. IMD asked people not to indulge in unnecessary travel and take all precautions when the peak rainfall occurred.
Inputs by Agencies
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