Chennai, Oct 21 – A new low‑pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has kicked off a wave of heavy rain across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and its suburbs. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai says the showers are a pre‑monsoon signal that the northeast monsoon is on the way.
The rain has swollen several reservoirs and lakes. In the last 48 hours, water in the Chembarambakkam Lake – Chennai’s main drinking‑water source – climbed to about 21 feet, only three feet shy of its 24‑foot maximum. Catchment areas upstream kept feeding the lake, prompting officials to plan a controlled release of the excess water.
After a Tuesday meeting, authorities approved a first discharge at 4 p.m. of 100 cubic feet per second (cusecs). They will monitor inflows and weather updates before deciding any further releases. The Water Resources Department and revenue officials have issued flood alerts for residents along the Adyar River banks and low‑lying spots near Kundrathur and Thirumudivakkam. Local administrations now have teams on standby to tackle potential flooding.
The RMC warns that heavy to very heavy rain is likely over the next 48 hours in northern coastal districts such as Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the southwest and adjacent west‑central Bay of Bengal because rough sea conditions are expected.
As the northeast monsoon stirs the waters, Chennai authorities will keep a close eye on water bodies and perform timely releases to safeguard the city and surrounding areas from flood damage.
Source: ianslive
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