Intense Rainfall Expected in Southern Tamil Nadu Soon
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Synopsis
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai forecasts rainfall in several areas of southern Tamil Nadu over the next few days. Although Chennai will not face a rainfall alert, early mornings may bring mist and haze.
Key Takeaways
- RMC predicts rain in southern Tamil Nadu.
- Chennai to experience mist and haze.
- Oothu recorded 8 cm rainfall; other regions 7 cm.
- Bathing banned at Courtallam Falls.
- Unseasonal rain damages crops in Palani and Dindigul.
Chennai, March 3 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has predicted rainfall in several regions of southern Tamil Nadu in the coming days. Although no rainfall alert has been issued for Chennai, the city is likely to experience mist and haze during the early morning hours.
As reported by the weather department, Oothu in Tirunelveli recorded 8 cm of rainfall from 8:30 a.m. on Friday, while both Nalumukku and Kakkachi (in Tirunelveli) along with Rameswaram (in Ramanathapuram district) received 7 cm each.
Continuous rainfall in the Tenkasi district has increased water levels in Courtallam Falls, leading authorities to prohibit bathing at both the main waterfalls and Aintharuvi.
In the districts of Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam, moderate rainfall has disrupted the final stages of samba and thaladi paddy harvests.
The rain has also impacted the fishing schedules of Nagapattinam fishermen and salt production in Vedaranyam.
Over the last couple of days, unseasonal rainfall has caused substantial damage to maize and paddy crops in Palani and Dindigul districts. Although the harvest began on February 24, farmers are now worried about losing up to two-thirds of their yield due to challenges in drying corn.
The RMC predicts that from March 3 to 5, maximum temperatures may rise by 2-3 degrees Centigrade in isolated areas throughout Tamil Nadu. Dry conditions are expected to follow starting March 4.
During the northeast monsoon, Tamil Nadu recorded a significant excess of 14 percent in rainfall, yielding 447 mm compared to an average of 393 mm. Chennai received 845 mm (16 percent above average), while Coimbatore experienced a 47 percent increase in rainfall.
Cyclone Fengal, which impacted Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from November 29 to December 1, caused severe damage. The cyclone resulted in 12 fatalities and inundated 211,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land, leading to major losses for farmers.
The government of Tamil Nadu reported that the cyclone affected 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals. In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting Rs 2,000 crore in interim relief from the National Disaster Response Fund.
An initial damage assessment estimated losses at Rs 2,475 crore for relief and reconstruction. However, the central government sanctioned Rs 944 crore as interim relief for the affected regions.
