Due to deep pressure over the Bay of Bengal, IMD has issued red alert in eight districts of Tamil Nadu and orange alert in 10.

Chennai, Oct 21 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for eight districts in Tamil Nadu and an orange alert for ten districts including Chennai as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression early Tuesday.

According to the IMD, around 5.30 am, the system over south-west Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to intensify further within the next 24 hours. It is likely to move in west-northwest direction towards North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Meteorologists said the system may develop into a low-pressure area over the southwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal by Wednesday afternoon, before making landfall between the Tamil Nadu-Andhra coastlines.

Heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm conditions are forecast in coastal areas during the next two days.

In response to the developing system, the IMD has placed Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram, as well as Karaikal (Puducherry UT) districts under red alert (very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall likely).

Meanwhile, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts have been placed under orange alert. (Chance of heavy to very heavy rainfall).

IMD has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea due to strong winds of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph along Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.

Local authorities have been instructed to remain on high alert, ensure functioning of relief camps and be prepared for possible floods and power disruptions. Disaster management teams have been deployed in coastal districts, and the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) has stepped up preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of the expected heavy rains. Authorities have advised residents of low-lying and coastal areas to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and closely follow updates from the weather department as the system continues to strengthen.

–IANS

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