Chennai, Oct 22 (UNI) The immediate cyclone threat over Tamil Nadu has receded after the Low-Pressure Area (LPA) in the Bay of Bengal weakened and moved northwest towards Andhra Pradesh. However, the state’s relief is tempered as the Red Alert and forecast for heavy rainfall remain for several districts.
The Meteorological (MET) office confirmed that the severe cyclonic storm threat has been withdrawn. The Red Alert remains in effect for Tiruvallur (adjoining Chennai) and Ranipet districts, with heavy rain forecast for nine districts, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu. Yellow Alerts have also been issued for 13 other districts and the union Territory of Puducherry. Schools were declared a holiday in 14 districts, including Chennai, earlier in the day.
The recent heavy downpour has already left a trail of destruction, primarily impacting agriculture. In the Cauvery Delta districts alone, paddy crop ready for harvest in over two lakh acres has been damaged due to waterlogging in the farmlands. Huge amounts of harvested paddy at Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) have also been drenched.
Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the union Government to enhance the moisture level of paddy for procurement by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) following the damage.
While Chennai city was spared the intermittent heavy spell today, low-lying areas remain waterlogged. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, accompanied by officials, inspected the relief works being carried out by the Greater Chennai Corporation. The corporation is providing food for 1.47 lakh people housed in 215 temporary shelters.
The intensifying north-east monsoon has led to copious inflows into dams across the state. Reservoirs around Chennai are nearing full capacity, prompting water release. Notably, the Mettur Stanley Reservoir reached its full capacity of 120 ft for the ninth time in the calendar year.
