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The southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are currently grappling with the impacts of intense monsoon rainfall. Tamil Nadu, in particular, has experienced significantly above-average precipitation, recording 53.4 cm of rainfall compared to the usual 44 cm for this time of year. This deluge has led to widespread flooding, particularly in Chennai, causing major disruptions, including severe waterlogging and extensive traffic congestion. The Northeast Monsoon, a crucial weather system for the region, has been exceptionally active, leading to record rainfall in several districts. Thenkasi district, for instance, reported historically high rainfall levels, though the intensity is predicted to lessen by the end of the day. The intensity of the rainfall is a serious concern for the region's infrastructure and its ability to cope with the increased water volume.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has responded to the situation by issuing weather alerts. An orange alert, indicating a high risk of severe weather, has been issued for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli districts. A yellow alert, signifying a lower but still significant risk, has been issued for eleven other districts. Chennai and its surrounding areas are also forecast to experience light rain and thunderstorms. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, Bengaluru and other parts of south interior Karnataka are anticipated to experience a short period of drier weather starting Sunday. However, this respite is expected to be brief, lasting only three days, before a new low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal triggers further rainfall, beginning on December 18th.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain on December 18th and 19th, affecting Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, and several neighboring districts, including Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, and Tumakuru. The upcoming days promise more severe weather for Tamil Nadu's coastal and delta regions, as the formation of a new low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify rainfall from December 16th. The RMC has warned of widespread rainfall from Monday as a cyclonic system develops over the South Andaman Sea. The ongoing rainfall has already resulted in tragic consequences, with five fatalities reported due to incidents like wall collapses and electrocution. Over 100 cattle have died, and property damage has affected more than 400 homes across 20 districts. Authorities have taken preventative measures, relocating over 2,000 people to 50 relief camps.
The Thamiraparani River, a significant waterway in Tamil Nadu, has seen its water flow surge to 50,000 cusecs, necessitating evacuations from riverside areas and low-lying regions. Authorities have taken proactive steps to warn the public about the impending severe weather. Over 11.75 lakh mobile users have received warnings to ensure public safety. Given the forecast for continued heavy rain and the development of the new low-pressure system, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further potential disruptions. The situation highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure and populations to intense weather events, emphasizing the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
The scale of the flooding and the resulting damage underscore the significant challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns and the need for improved infrastructure to cope with such events. The economic impact of the widespread disruption is likely to be substantial, affecting agriculture, transportation, and commerce across the region. The loss of life and livestock adds a tragic dimension to the situation, reminding us of the human cost of severe weather. As the monsoon season progresses, continuous monitoring of weather patterns and effective communication of weather warnings remain crucial to minimize the impact of future rainfall events. Long-term strategies focusing on climate change adaptation and improved infrastructure are essential to mitigate future risks.
Source: Chennai and Bengaluru face more rain: yellow alert issued for districts in Tamil Nadu