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Chennai, Oct 14 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Regional Meteorological Center (RMC), Chennai, has predicted widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the next few days, with heavy rainfall likely in 16 districts on Tuesday.
The weather department has also warned that the spell of intense rain may continue till October 19, affecting the Western Ghats and many interior areas.
According to an official press release, the hilly areas of Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Theni and Tenkasi are expected to receive heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. The bulletin further said that Erode, Dharmapura, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virurai, Virugar, Truchirapalli, Calendar and Tiruvannamalai as well as the hilly areas of Tiruppur district are also likely to experience rain.
For October 15 and 16, the department has been extended to the hilly areas of Tirunelveli and the coastal districts of Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and Sivagangai Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai.
RMC said the existing low pressure system over southwest Bay of Bengal and movement of easterly winds are intensifying the rainfall activities.
It said Chennai is likely to receive moderate rain for the next two days, along with thunderstorms and lightning in some parts of the city.
This latest forecast comes amid a series of heavy rain events across Tamil Nadu in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, several areas in Coimbatore and Tirupur were hit by flash floods, damaging roads and disrupting traffic. In Salem and Erode districts, incessant rains have led to water levels in local reservoirs rising, forcing authorities to release excess water from small dams as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the Nilgiris district administration is on alert after several landslides were reported near Coonoor and Kotagiri last week, leading to temporary closure of the road. The Disaster Management Department has urged residents of hilly and low-lying areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Farmers have been advised to secure harvested crops and strengthen bunds around paddy fields.
With widespread rain likely till the weekend, the state government has directed district collectors to maintain round-the-clock vigil and ensure preparedness of relief teams.
–IANS
AAL/DPB