Are Heavy Rains Expected in 4 TN Districts as Bay of Bengal Depression May Intensify into Cyclone?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rains expected in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram.
- Continuous downpour has already caused flooding and disruptions.
- A depression over the Bay of Bengal may evolve into a cyclonic storm.
- Tourist access to several locations has been restricted.
- Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Chennai, Nov 25 (NationPress) Significant rainfall is anticipated to impact the districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram on Tuesday and Wednesday, as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is poised to evolve into a cyclonic storm. This comes in the wake of persistent downpours over the last two days, which have already led to flooding, waterlogging, and considerable disruptions throughout various regions of Tamil Nadu.
In Thoothukudi district, relentless rain has flooded residential areas in Kovilpatti, Kadambur, Vandanam, and surrounding neighborhoods.
In Nagapattinam, ongoing showers have resulted in water entering the historic Prasanna Venkatajalapathi Temple, causing hardship for local residents and worshippers. Agricultural lands in villages like Keezhvellur, Keezhaiyur, Valivalam, and Kodiyalathur have been submerged, raising concerns about potential crop damage.
Numerous areas in Kallakurichi district — such as Thyagadurugam, Vadathorasalur, Kalaiyanallur, Pallakkasseri, and Virugavoor — have recorded heavy rainfall, while parts of Karur district, including Thanthonimalai, Pashupathipalayam, Veluchamipuram, and Gandhigram, have experienced consistent showers throughout the night.
In Kanyakumari, ongoing rains have elevated the Pechipparai dam's water level to 44 feet, compelling authorities to release excess water. This has caused sudden flooding along the Kodayar river, impacting low-lying communities downstream.
Heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats has led to closures at several popular tourist spots. Water levels surged perilously at the Aanavari waterfall in the Kalvarayan hills near Athur, resulting in a complete prohibition on visitor entry.
In Tenkasi district, authorities have restricted tourist access to all Courtallam waterfalls due to flooding. Similar restrictions have been enforced at Shenbagathoppu Mainkettupara falls in Srivilliputhur, Suruli Falls in Theni, and Panchalinga Falls at Thirumoorthy Hills in Tiruppur.
Meanwhile, the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow, as stated by Amutha, head of the Regional Meteorological Centre (South).
She also indicated the potential formation of another low-pressure area over the Kumari Sea and the southwest Bay region near Sri Lanka, while affirming that the northeast monsoon remains active.
With the weather system gaining strength, heavy rainfall is anticipated over the next two days in Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam.
On November 28, very heavy rain is expected in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam, followed by intense rainfall on November 29 in Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur.