The India Meteorological Department (IMD) escalated weather warnings on Wednesday evening, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over several southern regions for 3 December. The alert specifically covers north coastal Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema.
Weather System's Trajectory and Warnings
This latest alert comes after a week of relentless downpours across the region. The weather system, originally a depression that was the remnant of cyclonic storm Ditwah, has been moving southwestward. By Wednesday, it had weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and is expected to weaken further into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours.
The IMD had previously issued a Red Alert for Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts. The red nowcast warns of intense rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-60 kmph.
Impact and Widespread Inundation
The heavy rains, intensified earlier by Cyclone Ditwah, have severely disrupted life in large parts of Tamil Nadu. Districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram were pounded by heavy showers, leading to sudden and significant waterlogging.
Residents in several Chennai neighbourhoods like Nungambakkam, Perambur, Vyasarpadi, and Kilpauk reported wading through knee-deep water. As the system moved inland, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai also experienced frequent heavy spells. Ramanathapuram continued to grapple with massive inundation.
Rescue Operations and Administrative Response
Emergency services have been deployed in full force. The Fire and Rescue Services department used boats to rescue nine individuals from marooned houses in Chennai's Red Hills suburb, relocating them to safer relief camps. Teams from the Greater Chennai Corporation are actively engaged in de-watering operations and restoring traffic flow.
In anticipation of the severe conditions, the administration declared a holiday for schools and colleges in several affected districts for Wednesday. Over 200 relief camps have been set up to provide free food and temporary shelter to displaced families. A Greater Chennai Corporation official stated they are striving to prevent subway inundation to avoid public hardship.
As a precautionary measure, fishing operations remain suspended in the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, along the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south coastal Andhra Pradesh coasts, including the Gulf of Mannar and Comorin area, until further notice.
