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Chennai, October 21 (IANS) According to Amudha, regional head of the Meteorological Centre, Chennai, the deep depression over the south-western Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify further.
Addressing reporters in Nungambakkam, he said that though the system has already turned into a deep depression, it may turn into a depression by tomorrow and only then it will be clear whether it can turn into a cyclone.
Amudha said the system is currently located about 400 kilometers away from Chennai.
Fishermen out at sea have been advised to return to the shore immediately due to rough sea condition and possibility of strong winds in the coming days.
In light of the development of the system, the Regional Meteorological Center has issued a red alert for eight districts of Tamil Nadu, predicting extremely heavy rainfall, and an orange alert for ten districts, warning of very heavy rainfall.
District administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and activate disaster management protocols, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.
Amudha further said that Tamil Nadu has so far received 59 percent more rainfall in October than the average for this time of the year.
The northeast monsoon, which began early this month, has already brought widespread rainfall in several districts, filling reservoirs and causing waterlogging in some areas.
“The movement of the pressure is being closely monitored. Once it intensifies, we will be able to give a more accurate forecast on whether it could become a cyclonic storm,” he said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has urged the public to follow meteorological advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains and stay tuned for further updates on the trajectory of the system.
Coastal residents have also been asked to move to safe areas if instructed by local authorities.
As Tamil Nadu gears up for another round of intense monsoon activity, disaster management teams across the state have been placed on standby with rescue boats, motor pumps and emergency response units to mitigate the impact of possible floods.
–IANS
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