Orange Alert: Heavy rainfall prompts school holiday in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

In the wake of substantial rainfall across Tamil Nadu, educational institutions in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Villupuram districts have declared holidays, and Puducherry has also mandated a rain holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, signaling the potential for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on November 13 and 14. The rains are attributed to an upper air cyclonic circulation, resulting in a low-pressure area in the southeast Bay of Bengal. Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu are anticipated to witness rainfall ranging from 115.6 to 204.4 mm, with the IMD emphasizing squally weather and wind speeds reaching up to 55 kmph for resident safety.

Villupuram District Collector C. Palani and Cuddalore District Collector Arun Thamburaj have respectively confirmed the closure of schools and colleges in Viluppuram and Cuddalore on November 14 due to the projected heavy rainfall.

Nagapattinam, heavily affected by the downpour, experiences widespread waterlogging, disrupting traffic flow. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai forecasts light to moderate rain on November 14, with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in specific areas of Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts, along with Puducherry.

The North East Monsoon, crucial for drinking water and irrigation needs in Tamil Nadu, gains heightened significance as the state grapples with a 17% rainfall deficit. Recent moderate to heavy rain triggered severe waterlogging, prompting school closures. As the region navigates the immediate impact, the attention turns to managing long-term water requirements during this pivotal monsoon period in November and December.