Chief Minister MK Stalin led a consultation meeting this morning to discuss precautionary measures for the approaching North-East Monsoon rains. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with ministers and officials, participated in the meeting.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that a low-pressure area formed in the Southeast Bay of Bengal today (October 14) at 5:30 AM. This system is expected to intensify into a deep depression and move west-northwest. As a result, the IMD predicts increased rainfall in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu.
The IMD also indicated that the low-pressure system may move towards the coastal areas of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh on October 15 and 16, leading to widespread heavy rains across Tamil Nadu from today through October 17. Winds have started blowing from the east and northeast in southern India, and the onset of the Northeast Monsoon is likely around October 15 or 16, according to the Chennai Meteorological Department.
With the low-pressure system moving over North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and nearby areas, the IMD has issued a heavy rain warning for Chennai today (October 14), a very heavy rain warning for tomorrow (October 15), and a red alert for very heavy rain on October 16.
In response, Chief Minister Stalin held a consultation with departmental officers at the Chennai Chief Secretariat to review the state's preparedness. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Secretary Muruganandam, DGP Shankar Jiwal, high-ranking officials, and district administrators, including those from the Chennai Corporation, Revenue, and Disaster Management departments, attended the meeting. Monitoring officers appointed for different zones were also present.
During the meeting, CM Stalin reviewed the precautionary measures in place following the red alert issued for Tamil Nadu. He also inspected the Chennai Corporation Control Centre and checked the progress of dredging works in the city.
The Chief Minister provided several instructions, emphasising the need for disaster response teams to be ready on time. He ordered that rescue boats be dispatched immediately to flood-affected areas and that there be no disruption in the supply of drinking water.
Stalin directed officials to keep JCB and Bokline machines ready and ensure the continuous supply of milk to the public. He also ordered relief camps to be prepared.
The Tamil Nadu government is taking extensive precautions following the IMD’s heavy rain warnings. Notifications about the impending weather have already been sent to all District Collectors.
School holiday announced in 4 districts due to heavy rains
Due to the formation of a low pressure zone in the Bay of Bengal, it has been announced that the Northeast Monsoon will intensify and a red alert has been issued for Chennai and its suburbs. Schools Colleges will not function tomorrow in Chennai, Chengalpet, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts. This notification has been issued on the instructions of Chief Minister MK Stalin after consultation with officials.