More rains predicted for next few days in TN
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rain in several districts of Tamil Nadu on for the next few days.
Heavy rain in Chennai and nearby areas has prompted authorities to take emergency steps, including an order to schools in four districts to stay shut for the next two days. National Disaster Response Force has been called in to assist in rescue work.
According to an official release, as many as 36 districts received heavy rainfall, of which the state capital recorded the highest amount of 134.29 mm, while Ariyalur saw the least with 0.20 mm in the last 24 hours.
Most government offices will remain shut today. Chief Minister M K Stalin has appealed to private firms to announce a holiday or allow employees to work from home.
Chennai received a downpour through the night, recording 21 cm of rainfall till 8.30 am on Sunday morning. Several low-lying areas of the city were flooded.
The weather department predicted that isolated places in north coastal Tamil Nadu will receive heavy to very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall throughout Sunday due to the influence of a cyclonic circulation in Bay of Bengal. The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday. It has also warned of another spell of rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday.
With the lakes around Chennai swelling, water is being released from the Chembarambakkam lake. The 85.4 feet-high lake now has water till 82.35 feet. In 2015, Chennai was flooded due to sudden excessive discharge from Chembarambakkam lake amid heavy rainfall.
A flood alert has been issued in Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts on the banks of River Adyar. Schools have been ordered to stay shut in Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram districts.
A 24-hr toll free number– 1070, has been set up to receive rain related complaints in the city.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has set up 160 relief camps in the city and senior officials have been nominated to oversee rain relief work.