RAMESWARAM (Tamil Nadu): Rameswaram experienced heavy rain on Tuesday morning, causing significant waterlogging on the city’s roads. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu as a low-pressure area in the east-central Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm named ‘Dana’ by October 23. This impending storm is anticipated to bring heavy rains to various districts in Tamil Nadu.
In addition to Tamil Nadu, heavy rainfall is also predicted for neighboring states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Rayalseema, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Gangetic West Bengal. On October 19, Chennai faced severe disruptions as heavy rain brought daily life to a standstill, affecting major services in the city. Several areas recorded significant rainfall leading up to October 17, with Kathivakkam and Manali receiving 23 cm and 21 cm of rain, respectively. Cholavaram topped the list with 30 cm, while Red Hills and Avadi recorded 28 cm and 25 cm, respectively.
The depression over the west-central and adjacent southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwest at a speed of 14 km per hour, making landfall on the north Tamil Nadu-south Andhra Pradesh coast between Puducherry and Nellore around 4:30 am on October 17.
In response to the rainfall’s impact, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin conducted inspections in rain-affected areas of Chennai’s Kolathur Assembly Constituency, distributing relief materials to those in need. He assured the public that the Tamil Nadu government is prepared to address any challenges posed by the weather conditions, with precautionary measures implemented statewide.
