Chennai Weather Update: Red Alert Lifted, Heavy Rain Still Possible
Chennais red alert for heavy rain has been lifted, but residents are warned of potential downpours in certain areas.
Chennai, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : The weather department has lifted the red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Chennai as of October 18. This decision follows the movement of an atmospheric circulation off the northern Tamil Nadu coast towards the east.
Despite the alert being lifted, officials caution that some areas in the city may still experience significant rainfall. This revised forecast comes after the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) had previously issued emergency alerts to residents and deployed additional rescue personnel as a precaution.
After a lack of rain from the southwest monsoon, the northeastern monsoon has brought widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the past two days. Since the onset of seasonal rains, Chennai and several other districts have been affected by heavy downpours.
On Sunday, the weather department initially issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Chennai, prompted by significant rainfall recorded at six locations in the city the previous day. Similar warnings were also issued for the districts of Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Theni, leading to heightened preparations in vulnerable areas.
Amid rising concerns about the weather forecast, TNSDMA sent out an emergency message via mobile phones, accompanied by a loud warning tone. The message alerted Chennai residents about the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall and urged them to take precautions. Residents were advised to follow official weather bulletins and safety instructions, stock essential supplies, and avoid unnecessary travel.
The alert also urged the public to stay in safe locations during heavy rain events.
In response to the northeastern monsoon, three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were dispatched from Arakkonam to Chennai on Sunday. Each team consists of 30 personnel, totaling 90 responders ready to assist in emergency operations if rescue support is needed due to heavy rainfall.
In an update, the weather department noted that the atmospheric circulation affecting Chennai and surrounding areas has shifted eastward, resulting in the lifting of the red alert. However, warnings for heavy rain in certain locations remain in effect. Residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and adhere to safety guidelines issued by the disaster management authority.
