India: Depression in Bay of Bengal to impact Chennai

The evolving weather system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression and is predicted to cross the coast near the Indian city of Chennai in the early hours of Thursday (Oct 17). A red alert for extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours) has been issued for Chennai and adjoining districts for Wednesday (Oct 16). Schools and colleges in Chennai and adjoining districts will remain shut for the second day, Wednesday. 

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather phenomenon is around 490 km southeast of Chennai and is expected to move north-westward and cross north Tamil Nadu-south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore, close to Chennai. 

From Monday night and all through Tuesday, the weather system has brought significant rainfall to Chennai and adjoining districts, thereby causing instances of localised inundation. Nearly 18 districts across Tamil Nadu would be receiving rainfall of varying intensity, as per the forecast. Throughout the week, winds would be gusting at an average of 50 kmph along the Tamil Nadu coast, owing to which fishermen have been urged not to venture into the sea, and those at sea have been asked to return ashore. 

Around 13 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising a total of 390 personnel are on standby at Arakkonam, near Chennai. NDRF teams are working in close coordination with the state authorities to render assistance at the required time and place.

Each of these NDRF teams is prepared with rubber boats, tree-cutting chainsaws, communications equipment, ropes and harnesses and first aid kits.

The NDRF has also set up a round-the-clock control room at 04 Battalion Arakkonam, near Chennai, to closely monitor the situation. 

The government has recommended work from home (WFH) for IT firms between October 15 and 18, considering the evolving weather phenomenon and its impact.