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Chennai, October 28 (IANS) Cyclonic storm Montha, formed over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to reach Andhra Pradesh coast later on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
While Tamil Nadu is unlikely to experience the full force of the storm, several districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu have been receiving heavy rains, forcing authorities to issue safety advisories and temporary closures.
Regional Meteorological Center (RMC), Chennai, said that although Month will mainly affect coastal Andhra Pradesh, its outer bands are bringing continuous rain to northern Tamil Nadu since Monday.
The IMD has placed Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Ranipet districts under orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places and squall with gusty winds of up to 60 kmph in some areas.
As a precautionary measure, the Chennai District Collector has declared a day holiday for all government and private schools in the city on Tuesday.
Tiruvallur District Collector has also announced a similar holiday citing incessant rains and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Several parts of Chennai, including Teynampet, Velachery, Anna Nagar and Perungudi, were left water logged after overnight rain.
Civic authorities of the Greater Chennai Corporation have deployed additional pumps and field staff to prevent flooding and ensure smooth drainage.
Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions along the coast and strong winds. Authorities have urged residents of coastal and low-lying areas to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“People should stay updated with official alerts and avoid going near beaches, river banks or open drains during the rains,” an IMD official said.
The RMC has forecast that the intensity of rain will gradually reduce by Wednesday as Month moves inland after making landfall near the Andhra coast between Kakinada and Machilipatnam.
Emergency control rooms have been activated in all coastal districts to monitor the development and coordinate relief measures as the cyclonic system approaches the coast.
–IANS
AL/DPB