Chennai: As Chennai and surrounding areas face heavy rainfall amid cyclone alert, the local government has announced a holiday for educational institutions on Wednesday, November 27. This includes schools and colleges in several districts affected by the stormy weather.
The holiday will apply to schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Puducherry, Karaikal, Thiruvarur, and Nagapattinam due to the heavy rainfall expected in these areas.
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Farmers report extensive crop damage across 2,000 acres in Delta districts
Overnight rains in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta region have impacted standing paddy crops, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts, both key areas in the delta, on Wednesday.
The heavy downpour has left crops submerged, either partially or entirely, in several locations, including Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam. Preliminary estimates from farmers suggest that at least 2,000 acres of crops have been damaged.
Chief Minister reviews rain preparedness
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin held a meeting with district officials to assess the state’s readiness for the expected rain and possible cyclone. The meeting included discussions with Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Chief Secretary N Muruganandam.
The Chief Minister inquired about safety measures in districts such as Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Cuddalore. Officials confirmed that relief camps have been set up, and medical teams are ready with equipment.
In Nagapattinam, authorities have mobilized 75 boats, 125 earthmovers, and 250 generators. Similarly, Cuddalore has prepared 51 boats and 242 earthmovers to assist in emergency operations. The government has also positioned disaster response teams and ensured that emergency centers are open 24/7 with multi-department officials.
Special teams deployed for disaster response
Following the Chief Minister’s orders, both the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to high-risk areas like Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore. Two additional NDRF teams are stationed in Thanjavur.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai reported that a depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday, November 27. The storm is moving north-northwestwards at 12 km/h and is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region.
Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Pudukkottai districts continuing until Thursday, November 28.
Agency
Published: 27 Nov 2024, 07:47 am IST
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