Tue Nov 26 15:10:39 UTC 2024: ## Deep Depression in Bay of Bengal Intensifies, Threatening Tamil Nadu Coast
**Chennai, November 26** – Heavy rainfall lashed parts of Tamil Nadu today as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies, threatening to become a cyclonic storm named Fengal by Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the state tomorrow and an orange alert for Thursday, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
The depression, currently located about 830 km south-southeast of Chennai, is expected to make landfall in the coming days. In anticipation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin chaired a high-level meeting, deploying NDRF and state disaster response teams to Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts. Schools and colleges have been declared closed in Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai.
Chennai experienced moderate rainfall, leading to traffic congestion and flight delays. However, authorities have taken steps to ensure essential services continue, with the state-run dairy Aavin operating eight parlours around the clock.
The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts, including Chennai, Chengelpet, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and the Cauvery delta, impacting coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Kerala, and Mahe as well. This is the second post-monsoon cyclone to threaten India after Cyclone Dana hit Odisha last month. The NDRF has preemptively deployed teams to affected coastal areas. The state government is on high alert, coordinating with first responders and volunteers to mitigate potential damage.
First Piper 