The Tamil Nadu government has swiftly activated emergency services as a cyclonic depression moves closer to the state’s coast. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid any non-essential travel during this time.
Depression Nears Tamil Nadu Coast
A depression forming in the Bay of Bengal is rapidly advancing toward the Tamil Nadu coastline. This has triggered a high alert for Chennai and the surrounding regions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression is presently located about 490 kilometres east-southeast of Chennai. It is expected to make landfall between the northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh coasts, specifically between Puducherry and Nellore, by the early hours of October 17.
The IMD stated, “The depression is likely to move in a west-northwest direction, making landfall near Chennai, crossing the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore, likely in the early morning of October 17.”
Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Expected
The IMD has also issued warnings of heavy to hefty rainfall across Tamil Nadu on October 17. Some areas are expected to experience hefty downpours, while squally weather, with wind speeds reaching up to 60 km/h, is predicted over the southwest Bay of Bengal and along the coastlines of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh.
Emergency Services on High Alert
In response, the Tamil Nadu government has placed all emergency services on high alert. Disaster management teams are prepared, and relief centres have been set up across the state to handle potential evacuations and emergencies. Residents are being strongly advised to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and to follow official government advisories. The authorities have also issued a warning for fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea as the conditions are expected to worsen.
Onset of the Northeast Monsoon
The depression’s arrival has also intensified rainfall activity across southeast peninsular India, marking the start of the northeast monsoon. The IMD is continuing to monitor the situation and urges residents to stay updated through local news outlets and official alerts.
Cyclone Alert for Andhra Pradesh
The neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh is also on high alert as the depression is expected to bring significant rainfall there as well. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has pinpointed districts likely to be heavily affected, including West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, and NTR districts. Winds along the Andhra coast are predicted to reach speeds of up to 55 km/h, adding to the severity of the weather conditions.
Chennai Prepares for Impact
As the depression draws closer to landfall, the city of Chennai is bracing for its impact. Emergency services across the city are on standby, and residents are being urged to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities have requested people to stay informed and follow safety instructions, especially during the expected heavy rains and winds.
Schools and Colleges Closed in Tamil Nadu
In anticipation of the severe weather, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in four northern districts—Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengelpet—on Wednesday, October 17. These districts are expected to be among the hardest hit by the heavy rainfall.
Government Offices to Remain Closed
The government has also announced that all government offices, including those of public undertakings, corporations, and boards, will be closed on Tuesday across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengelpet, and Kancheepuram as a precautionary measure.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Informed
With the cyclonic depression expected to make landfall soon, both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert. Emergency services are fully prepared, and the authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with the latest information. Staying safe and following government guidelines is the priority as these regions brace for the impact of the storm.
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