Heavy rains lash TN: Chennai braces for impact as preparations intensify

Chennai: Overnight rains hit Chennai and nearby areas, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that a low-pressure area could strengthen soon. Although civic authorities reported no water stagnation in subways due to preventive measures, some areas experienced waterlogging, causing difficulties for road users.

Since Monday night, Chennai and its suburbs, including parts of the Tiruvallur district, have seen intermittent rainfall. The IMD said in a post on 'X' said: "The well marked low pressure area over the central part of south Bay of Bengal at 0530 hours IST of today, the 15th October 2024. Likely to intensify into a depression and continue to move west-northwestwards towards north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts during next 2 days. The Depression over westcentral Arabian Sea off Oman coast lay over the same region at 0530 hours IST of today, the 15th October, 2024 about 550 km south-southeast of Masirah (Oman), 750 km east of Salalah (Oman) and 950 km east of Al Ghaidah (Yemen). Likely to move nearly westwards towards Oman coast and weaken gradually into a well-marked low pressure area during next 6 hours.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed the preparations made by authorities to address potential challenges from the expected heavy rains. He instructed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force be deployed in advance to areas likely to be affected.

During a meeting with Greater Chennai Corporation officials, it was revealed that the civic body has prepared 990 water pumps, 57 tractors equipped with pump sets, and 36 mechanised boats for emergencies. Additionally, 46 metric tons of bleaching powder and phenyl are available for sanitation efforts. About 169 fully equipped relief centres will be activated based on the situation.

Agency