Farmers, Fishermen Alert: IMD Predicts Extremely Heavy Rains in Parts of Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh

On November 10 and 11, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted unusually heavy rain in various regions of Tamil Nadu and neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Due to the depression building over the Bay of Bengal, the downpour is predicted to inundate highways and may trigger riverine flooding, according to the warning. 

"Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is probable throughout Tamil Nadu on November 8 and 9 and heavy to very heavy rain in a few spots with isolated extremely heavy showers is very possible on November 10 and 11." the meteorological service stated in a bulletin on Monday. 

"During the same period, severe to very heavy rain with exceedingly high rains at isolated locations is also probable across south coastal Andhra Pradesh," it added. 

Rainfall between 64.5 and 115.5 mm is considered heavy, while rainfall between 115.6 and 204.4 mm is considered very heavy, according to IMD norms. Rainfall more than 204.4 mm is considered exceptionally heavy. 

Fishermen have also been warned not to venture into the seas ahead of the rains, according to the IMD. Localized landslides, moderate damage to roads, susceptible structures, horticulture, and standing crops are also possible in some locations, according to the report. 

Meanwhile, in response to the IMD warning, the Tamil Nadu government has declared local vacations for nine districts on November 10 and 11. Chennai, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai are the districts in concern. 

Five people have died as a result of the rains that have been falling in the southern state for the past several days, and 538 huts and four houses have been destroyed. 

Chennai experienced the highest rainfall in six years with the arrival of northeastern monsoon, bringing back memories of the 2015 floods. It caused flooding in the city's central and northern areas.