Fri Dec 13 11:23:24 UTC 2024: ## Heavy Rains Lash Tamil Nadu; Red Alert Issued for Three Districts
**Chennai, December 13:** Torrential rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu, with Chennai and surrounding districts experiencing heavy downpours since December 11. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the rain to continue for the next few days.
Chennai received intense rainfall on December 12, and the downpour has extended to neighbouring districts of Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu on December 13. South Tamil Nadu is also experiencing widespread heavy rainfall. The IMD has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Pudukkottai districts.
The IMD attributes the heavy rainfall to a low-pressure area over the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining areas, which is moving west-northwest towards South Tamil Nadu. The IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on December 13, with a similar forecast for December 14, 16, and 17.
Schools and colleges have been declared closed in several districts, including those in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thiruvarur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Karur, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai on December 13. Other districts with school closures include Ariyalur, Trichy, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Nellai, along with Puducherry.
Authorities have issued warnings to people living near the Thenpennai River in Cuddalore following the release of 13,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of surplus water from the Sathanur Dam in Thiruvannamalai district. Similarly, 1000 cusecs of water has been released from the Chembarambakkam lake in Chennai, prompting warnings for residents along the Adyar River. Water is also being released from the Poondi and Puzhal lakes.
A red alert has been issued for Nellai, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts, where extremely heavy rainfall is expected. The IMD reported that Kodiyakkarai in Nagapattinam district received the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours, recording 18 cm.
The continuous heavy rain in Chennai has led to the cancellation of six Air India flights. Officials from the Sathanur Dam have stated that water release will be increased gradually depending on the inflow. The IMD’s Southern Region Director, Palachandran, has stated that the northeast monsoon has intensified, and that a new low-pressure area is likely to form by December 15. He also noted that while advanced technology is used, it’s impossible to predict weather events with 100% accuracy.
First Piper 