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Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a storm warning for several ports in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Montha intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal and approached the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Director of Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) B. Amadha said that local warning sign no. 4 were hoisted at Chennai, Ennore and Katutupali ports, while distant warning signal no. 2 was issued for Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Puducherry and Karaikal ports.
“Warnings are issued when strong winds are likely to be experienced by ships in ports and at sea. This enables authorities to take precautionary measures to prevent damage,” he said.
According to the latest RMC bulletin, surface winds are expected to reach speed of 90 to 100 kmph, which can reach 110 kmph, and fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea till October 29.
As ‘Montha’, which means “fragrant flower” in Thai, moved towards land, heavy rainfall occurred over many parts of northern Tamil Nadu.
Thiruvallur district recorded the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours, with Ponneri receiving 72 mm and Avadi 62 mm.
In view of the possibility of more rain, District Collector M. Pratap announced holiday in all schools on Tuesday.
RMC said moderate to heavy rain with thunder and lightning is likely at isolated places over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai and southern coastal districts of Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari.
Schools remained closed as a precautionary measure amid overnight rain in Chennai.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has kept more than 2,000 motor pumps and 457 tree surgeons on standby to drain excess water and clear fallen trees. Relief centers have been equipped at 215 locations with food, sanitation and medical facilities to assist residents in low-lying areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted a surprise inspection of the Command and Control Center at Ripon Buildings early in the morning to assess the city’s preparedness. The center monitors rainfall, traffic flow and water levels through real-time monitoring networks. Officials were directed to immediately resolve the complaints received through 1913 helpline and social media.
With Month expected to cross the Andhra coast later on Tuesday, officials across northern Tamil Nadu are on high alert for strong winds, heavy rains and possible flooding.
–IANS