Cyclone Dana: TN to see heavy rains on October 23; state on flood alert

Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has announced that a low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm named 'Dana' by October 23. This storm is expected to cause heavy rainfall in many districts of Tamil Nadu.

In response to the storm, the RMC has issued a yellow alert for several districts. The Weather Department noted that an upper air cyclonic circulation, which had been over the central Andaman Sea, has moved northward.

The department said that a low-pressure area is likely to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea during the next 24 hours. “This low pressure is very likely to move northwestwards and reach north-west Bay of Bengal off Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24,” the department said.

Moderate rains have already begun in Chennai and nearby areas like Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur. This wet weather is expected to continue for several days, leading to lower temperatures.

Fishermen are advised to stay off the sea until further notice, as strong winds, reaching speeds of 35 to 45 kilometre per hour, are forecasted along the Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, and Camorin area.

Heavy rains are predicted on October 21 in the ghat areas of Coimbatore and Tirupur, as well as in the districts of Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Tiruchi, Dindigul, Madurai, Pudukottai, Ariyalur, and Perambalur.

Flood alerts have been issued for Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai districts, where the Thenpennai River flows. Local authorities have raised alarms due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) dam, which has led to the release of 2,000 cusecs of water. Flood warnings are also in effect for Harur and Pappireddipatti areas.

Fire and Rescue Services, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are prepared and on standby as rainfall continues to raise water levels in these areas.

Agency