Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) MK Stalin on Monday, 8 November, declared a public holiday in the state, following heavy rains and inundation in several parts of the state, including Chennai.
Chennai woke up on Monday morning to flooding for the second day in a row as it saw incessant showers amid warnings of heavy rainfall.
However, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director-general of the IMD, said that while Chennai had recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, the intensity was expected to be slightly less on Monday. However, on 10 and 11 November, Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh would again experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, he added.
"A cyclonic circulation lies over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean extending up to 4.5 KM above mean sea level at 3 UTC of November 7. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over Southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood around November 9, 2021. It is likely to become more marked and move towards north Tamil Nadu coast during the next 48 hours."Indian Meteorological Department
In light of the public holiday, all government offices, barring those categorised as essential services, will remain shut. Private companies have also been urged to either declare a holiday or allow their employees to work from home on Monday.
Stalin Declares Holiday for Educational Institutions
Meanwhile, CM Stalin on Sunday also declared Monday and Tuesday as holidays for educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpet districts.
This was later extended to the districts of Sivaganga, Vellore, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Ranipet, Thanjavur, Tirupatur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, and Karur among others, reported The News Minute.
The CM, participating in the relief activities on Monday, distributed food and other essentials to people in Royapuram and harbour areas of Chennai and also visited a medical camp at Thuraimugam.
"Hon'ble Chief Minister MK Stalin went to various places affected by heavy rains in Chennai. He went directly and inspected and listened to the grievances of the affected people and provided relief aid," the chief minister's office said in a tweet.
NDRF, SDRF Teams Deployed
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deputed several teams to carry out rescue and relief operations in Tamil Nadu.
"The first stage of the Chennai rains is almost over. However, IMD has predicted extreme rainfall for the next 3 days. Hence, more than 20 NDRF teams will be deployed in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh," NDRF Director General SN Pradhan was quoted as saying by ANI.
"We have posted more than 100 teams all over the country on standby. If need be, airlifting can be done but it's not expected. The 3 battalions in that location are told to coordinate as per updates," he added.
Reports on Sunday said that 13 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been deployed in the state.
Meanwhile, 15 IAS officers have been deputed to monitor the situation.
Eighty-one people have so far been evacuated from flooded areas of Chennai corporation.
Tamil Nadu officials said that about 160 relief centres have been opened to accommodate people from low-lying areas or areas inundated with rainwater. Food packets were also being distributed to those in need, reported PTI.
Heaviest Rainfall Since 2015, More Expected
In a tweet, Tamil Nadu weatherman Pradeep John on Sunday said that this was the heaviest rainfall recorded in the city since December 2015.
“Official readings are out, 226 mm in Mylapore, 205 mm in Ambattur, Sivappu Sambahavam in Chennai. Meanwhile it is also the highest 24 rainfall in Nungambakkam since 2015 and it also crossed 200 mm now at 207 mm,” his tweet read.
The IMD has predicted more rains in Chennai, Puducherry, and Karaikal in the coming days.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI and The News Minute.)
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