Tamil Nadu: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm as a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression, with potential to escalate into Cyclone Fengal on Wednesday, November 27. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecasted torrential rainfall across several Tamil Nadu districts, prompting authorities to declare school holidays in Chennai, Chengelpet, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai. Severe weather conditions have already affected areas like Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai since Tuesday, leading to widespread closures of schools and colleges.Red Alert in Tamil Nadu DistrictsA red alert for extremely heavy rainfall has been declared for Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai on Wednesday. Chennai, along with its neighboring districts—Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, and Tiruvallur—is under yellow and orange alerts from Wednesday through Saturday. The IMD anticipates light to moderate rainfall in many areas, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, extending into Thursday, November 28.November 27: Light to moderate rain is expected across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and other districts are likely to experience sporadic heavy showers.November 28: Coastal Tamil Nadu is forecasted to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with scattered showers in interior regions. Districts such as Chennai, Villuppuram, and Chengalpattu are among the areas under alert.The IMD has also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema between November 28 and 30.Government Steps Up Cyclone PreparednessTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday to evaluate the states preparedness. The government has deployed 17 National and State Disaster Response Force teams to vulnerable districts, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Thanjavur. Relief centers and essential equipment like motor pumps and boats are on standby, while first responders are on high alert. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted inspections in Chennai, emphasizing preventive flood measures, including canal desilting and stormwater maintenance. State-run Aavin has assured uninterrupted milk supply to residents.The state government has readied 1,634 relief centers and is closely monitoring rainfall patterns to ensure public safety.
