Chennai: Heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu has led authorities to declare school holidays in several districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and others. A yellow alert has been issued for Vellore, Perambalur, Salem, Namakkal, Sivaganga, Madurai, and Dindigul districts, indicating the potential for heavy rain. In Tirunelveli, classes I to V have been suspended due to adverse weather forecasts.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted significant rainfall over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the next four days. Despite the current low-pressure system not intensifying into a storm, the northeast monsoon has already brought 14% more rainfall than average in Tamil Nadu. Notably, Chennai recorded a 16% excess rainfall at 845 mm, and Coimbatore experienced a 47% surplus.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea, and those in deep waters are urged to return immediately. This advisory follows the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal, which struck Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in late November. The cyclone claimed 12 lives, destroyed over 2.1 lakh hectares of agricultural land, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and water tanks.
In the wake of the cyclone, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin requested Rs 2,000 crore as interim relief from the National Disaster Response Fund, while an initial damage assessment estimated losses at Rs 2,475 crore. The Central government has sanctioned Rs 944 crore as interim relief for the affected areas.
