The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh as a depression over the Bay of Bengal moves towards the coast. Chennai, Nellore, Vellore, Ranipet and its surrounding regions face flooding and strong winds that disrupt everyday life. A yellow alert has been issued in various parts of the state today. IMD said the depression moved west-northwest at 22km/h over the last six hours.
This depression was centered over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 80 km east-northeast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu and 150 km southeast of Nellore, Andra Pradesh. The IMD also mentioned that the depression over the Bay of Bengal will likely cross North Tamil Nadu and South Andra Pradesh coasts between Pondicherry and Nellore. Since October 1 this year, Tamil Nadu received 10.52 cm of rainfall, 68 per cent more than usual. In the past 24 hours, Tamil Nadu received an average of 2.2 cm of rain, while Chennai received an average of 6.8 cm of rainfall.
Chennai’s rain is influenced by the Northeast Monsoon rather than the Southwest Monsoon. This monsoon occurs during October and December. 60% of the annual rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh depends upon Northeast Monsoon. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, especially Chennai, are prone to tropical cyclones and depressions over the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon season.
Depression over westecentral and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 16, 2024
The depression over southwest and adjoining westecentral Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 22 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 2330 hours IST of yesterday, the 16th October 2024… pic.twitter.com/my4Ez0j4zG
Heavy Rains Paralyze Life in Chennai and Surrounding Districts
It may cause heavy to hefty rainfall in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Chennai districts. Nellore is expected to see downpours and localised flooding in some parts. Heavy rain in Chennai has triggered flooding in different southern parts of India. It has led to the closure of schools, colleges, and offices, power outages, and flight cancellations. It disrupts everyday life in the industrial and tech hubs of Chennai and Bengaluru. Waterlogging was reported in several parts of the state, including Chennai.
Streets and roads were flooded with muddy water due to heavy rainfall in Chennai. The high-security Poes Garden area in Chennai, home of top politicians and celebrities, was also filled with keen-deep water. Bus services were also affected in several regions due to waterlogging. Southern Railways announced the cancellation of four express trains, Train No. 20623 Mysuru-KSR Bengaluru Malgudi Express, train No. 20624 KSR Bengaluru-Mysuru Malgudi Express and train No. 16022 Mysuru-Dr. MGR Chennai Central Kaveri Express. City reservoirs fill up after the first monsoon spell—heavy rains in the northern coastal areas filled over 180 tans to total capacity.
Poondi reservoir saw an inflow of 800 cusecs with 450 cusecs from Krishna River and 350 cusecs from rainfall in its catchment. Red Hill reservoir and Chembarambakkam reservoir storage also rose. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams ordered the road’s closure leading to the Papavinasanam theerthanam and announced a temporary shutdown of the Srivari Mettu footpath. The heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage system. Floods destroy homes, displace families, and damage the state’s roads, bridges and power lines. In hilly regions, intense rainfall leads to landslides.
It destroys property, highways and even human everyday life. Due to excessive rain in different districts of Tamil Nadu, crops can be damaged or destroyed by waterlogging. Chennai rain has imposed intense rainfall brings public health challenges to Tamil Nadu. Contaminated water supplies lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera in the affected districts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
With the depression making landfall North of #Chennai over South AP coast it is time to look at what is ahead of us. As this detailed #WxwithCOMK post explains it is time to get prepared for what could be a long #NEM2024 season punctuated by frequent disturbances. #ChennaiRains.… pic.twitter.com/OdNjlczJPJ
— Chennai Rains (COMK) (@ChennaiRains) October 17, 2024
Steps taken in response to Heavy rainfall
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said water stagnation caused by rain on Wednesday in most parts of northern Tamil Nadu has been cleared. He also announced that food would be served free of cost in the Amma canteen in Chennai for poor and ordinary people on October 16 and 17. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and party leaders distributed relief materials to sanitation workers.
Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said a disaster response force has been deployed in Bengaluru, and they are ready to redeploy another 40 personnel to be on standby. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has collaborated with Garuda Aerospace for aerial surveys to find damaged, vulnerable areas and coordinate relief efforts. As reported by Chennai corporation mayor Priya Ranjan has confirmed that 180 relief centres were established to assist those affected due to the Chennai rain. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force have already deployed in flooded and waterlogged areas.
A total of ten teams from NDRF and sixteen teams from SDRF have been deployed in different districts. 8.5 million Mobile phone users received the weather prediction message through the Common Alert Protocol. The revenue department set up 5,147 relief centres in various districts, including 300 in Chennai. The state government appointed 50 IAS officers to coordinate and boost relief operations. The state emergency operations centres were also activated. Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao, along with Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary convened a high-level virtual meeting with senior officials to assess the situation.
The engineering department had been noticed to address landslides and clear obstacles from the roads. Mr Rao also orders the officials to be prepared with sufficient diesel for the generator to face any power outages. The Tiruppur district administration also established 52 relief centres to help displaced people due to the release of excess water from the Amaravathy and Thirumoorthy dams. The Tiruchi Corporation invests 4.12 crore in desilting significant storms- water drains and drainage channels across the city. Andhra Government’s real-time governance system (RTGS) installed approximately 5000 surveillance cameras in the affected districts to monitor the situation 24/7. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi inspected the situation of Nagapattinam district.
These are the details of rainfall forecast for next 3 days. The residents of the area were expected heavy rain are requested to be cautious.#BBMP #BBMPCares #BengaluruRains #BangaloreRain @CMofKarnataka @DKShivakumar @BBMPAdmn @BBMPCOMM pic.twitter.com/wVPclP1bmB
— Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (@Bbmpcares) October 16, 2024
FAQ
What areas are affected by the heavy rainfall and depression in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh?
The heavy rainfall and depression primarily affect regions including Chennai, Nellore, Vellore, Ranipet, and surrounding areas. Districts such as Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu will also likely face significant rainfall, waterlogging, and localised flooding.
What is the cause of heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh?
The heavy rainfall is caused by a depression over the Bay of Bengal moving towards the coast of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh. This depression brings significant rainfall, with most rain influenced by the Northeast Monsoon, which occurs between October and December.
What steps have the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments taken to address the impact of the heavy rainfall?
Relief centres have been set up, with 180 centres established in Chennai alone. Disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed. Additionally, aerial surveys are being conducted to identify damaged areas, and mobile phone users receive weather alerts.
How has the heavy rainfall affected daily life in affected regions?
The heavy rainfall has caused waterlogging in cities, disrupting everyday life. Schools, colleges, and offices have been closed, and transport services, including bus and train operations, have been affected. Power outages have been reported, and flights have been cancelled.
What impact has the rainfall had on reservoirs in Chennai?
Heavy rains have filled major reservoirs in Chennai, including Poondi, Red Hills, and Chembarambakkam. The inflow of water from the Krishna River and local rainfall has brought these reservoirs to full capacity, aiding the city’s water storage.
What health risks are associated with heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh?
The heavy rainfall has led to waterlogging, which may cause contamination of water supplies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera. Public health challenges often arise in such conditions, especially in flood-affected areas.
How are farmers affected by the heavy rainfall?
Excessive rainfall can damage crops through waterlogging, leading to reduced agricultural productivity. In regions with significant flooding, crops may be destroyed, resulting in food shortages and financial losses for farmers.
What are the government’s relief efforts to help those displaced by the heavy rainfall?
Officials have distributed relief materials, and food is being provided free of cost in Amma canteens. Relief centres have been established, and government-appointed IAS officers coordinate relief operations. Additionally, monitoring systems such as surveillance cameras are in place to track the situation.
What steps have been taken to prepare for possible landslides due to the heavy rainfall?
The engineering departments have been notified to address landslides and clear obstacles from roads. Officials are also ensuring adequate generator diesel supplies to counter potential power outages.
What is the expected weather forecast for the coming days in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh?
The depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring continued heavy rainfall to North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh regions, with flooding likely in low-lying areas.