Heavy rain linked to Cyclone Ditwah continued across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with fresh alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department. As per the IMD bulletin, several districts are expected to receive moderate to heavy rains along with thunderstorms and lightning through December 3. Widespread waterlogging has continued disruption in northern coastal areas, and school closures have been announced.
Heavy rainfall warning across select districts, full list issued for December 3
The IMD stated that under the influence of the depression remaining part over the southwest Bay of Bengal, moderate showers with thunderstorms and lightning are expected at a few places in Chennai, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Mayiladuthurai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry.
Light to moderate downpours with thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Ariyalur, Pudukottai, Tiruvarur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Nilgiris and Ramanathapuram. Similar weather conditions are expected to prevail in Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Theni, Tenkasi districts and Karaikal area.
The IMD also warned of waterlogging, traffic delays and slippery roads in affected locations. Overnight rains have led to flooding across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu. Roads have been submerged at Vyasarpadi, T Nagar, Perungudi, Saidapet, Annamalaipuram, Choolaimedu and Perungudi.
Schools shut, Chennai deploys 22,000 personnel for rain relief work
All the schools in Puducherry were closed today because of a heavy rain warning, as per an ANI report. District officials stated that closures were necessary because of the potential for heavy rain and flooding.
The Greater Chennai Corporation mentioned that it has deployed around 22,000 personnel for cleaning drains, pumping out stagnant water and removing fallen branches. As per the Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran, three rain-related deaths have been reported in Tamil Nadu, as reported by PTI.
The Met Department has also advised a complete suspension of fishing operations across the southwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal, south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lanka and Comorin areas.
