Amid the ongoing heavy rainfall and forecasts for more downpours, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced that schools and colleges in four districts will remain closed on Tuesday. The announcement follows warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has predicted heavy to very heavy rains in several parts of the state, including Chennai, as the northeast monsoon sets in.
With concerns growing over potential flooding and disruption, the state government has issued an advisory urging IT professionals in the affected regions to work from home from October 15 to 18, 2024.
Heavy rainfall predicted, red alert issued
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued a red alert for many areas of the city, warning of significant rainfall accumulation. The IMD has forecast up to 20 cm of rainfall in a single day during the peak of the monsoon, raising concerns about flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas. In addition to Chennai, other districts including Dharamapuri, Salem, Nilgiris, and Erode are expected to experience heavy rainfall over the coming days.
CM Stalin’s response and preparations
Following a high-level meeting at the state secretariat on Monday morning, Chief Minister MK Stalin issued an order declaring a holiday for schools and colleges in the districts expected to be hardest hit by the rains. The CM also requested IT companies to implement work-from-home arrangements for their employees between October 15 and 18, 2024, to minimize disruptions and ensure safety.
In anticipation of possible flooding, CM Stalin instructed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to be on standby. Teams are being deployed to vulnerable areas to assist in rescue operations if necessary. The Chief Minister has also directed district officials to reach their designated areas and coordinate closely with local administrations to plan flood relief measures. “Our priority is the safety of the people,” Stalin said, emphasizing the need for quick and coordinated efforts in the event of an emergency.
IMD’s rainfall forecast
The IMD has warned that the northeastern monsoon is expected to arrive in full force by October 15 or 16, bringing with it heavy rains across Tamil Nadu. In addition to the four districts where schools and colleges will be closed, several other regions, including Namakkal, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirapalli, Karur, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Dindigul, Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram, are also expected to see heavy rainfall in the coming days.
The IMD has forecast particularly intense rainfall between October 12 and 16, with Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal likely to experience isolated heavy to very heavy downpours. The heaviest rain is expected on October 14 and 15, for which an orange alert has been issued. The weather department has cautioned residents to stay prepared for potential flooding and advised against unnecessary travel during this period.
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Advisory for fishermen and public safety
In light of the adverse weather conditions, fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing out to sea until October 17 due to rough seas and gusty winds. Coastal regions are expected to face particularly hazardous conditions, with the potential for rough waves and strong winds that could make fishing trips extremely dangerous.
The government has urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone areas, and to follow official instructions closely. With the monsoon season now in full swing, authorities are prioritizing public safety and working around the clock to ensure that any disruptions caused by the rains are handled efficiently.
As Tamil Nadu braces for another bout of heavy rainfall, the government has taken swift action to minimize risks to public safety. The closure of schools and colleges in four districts and the advisory for IT professionals to work from home reflect a proactive approach in dealing with the impending weather challenges. With red and orange alerts issued, and disaster response teams on standby, the state is preparing for the possibility of flooding and other disruptions, urging residents to stay cautious and cooperate with authorities.
