In response to the heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilised seven teams from the 4th Battalion, including two canine units. Each team consists of 30 rescuers and will be deployed across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from 26 to 28 November.


Deployment Areas for NDRF Teams


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The NDRF teams will be stationed in the districts of Karaikal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. These regions are expected to experience severe weather conditions, and the teams are being preemptively deployed for rescue and relief operations.


 Deep Depression Intensifies


The depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which formed earlier, has intensified into a deep depression as of 26 November. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that it is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by 27 November. This storm is expected to move northwards, towards the Tamil Nadu coast, while skirting the Sri Lankan coastline over the next two days. Authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progress and intensification.


Rainfall Predictions and Alerts


The IMD has issued a series of weather alerts for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:


Red Alert: Extremely heavy rainfall has been predicted for three central districts of Tamil Nadu on 26 November and two districts on 27 November.
Yellow Alert: Chennai has been placed under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall from 27 to 29 November. Other nearby districts, including Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu, will be under yellow and orange alerts from 27 to 30 November.


Impact in Chennai and Suburbs


Chennai and its suburbs have been experiencing widespread rainfall since 25 November. Many streets have been inundated with water mixed with sewage, leading to discomfort among residents who are hesitant to step outside. Authorities have responded by declaring holidays for schools and colleges in several regions, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur.


Weather Forecast for 26 to 28 November


26 November: The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall at several locations, with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Karaikal. Other districts such as Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Puducherry will also experience heavy rainfall.


27 November: Light to moderate rain is expected at many places, along with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.


28 November: Light to moderate rain is likely at a few places, with thunderstorms and lightning at many locations in coastal Tamil Nadu and a few areas in interior Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.


School Closure


Given the expected severe weather, local authorities have declared holidays for educational institutions in several affected areas, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe.