Tamil Nadu Weather Update: Schools and colleges to remain shut in Chennai; red alert issued

Are schools closed in Chennai? According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), very heavy rainfall and a landfall is expected tomorrow (November 29) evening on the coast of Tamil Nadu. Due to this, the District Collectors of Chennai and Chengalpatu on Friday declared holidays for educational institutions in these two districts. A red alert has also been issued.

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal would "very likely" hit the coast as a depression between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on November 30, the IMD said.

The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northeastward at 9 kmph over the last six hours and was centred at 11.30 p.m. on November 28 in the same area. It was located around 240 kilometres northeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 330 kilometres east-southeast of Nagappattinam, 390 kilometres east-southeast of Puducherry, and 430 kilometres southeast of Chennai, according to the meteorological office's most recent report on 'X.' 

"It is very likely to move northwestwards and maintain its intensity of deep depression till November 29. Continuing to move northwestwards, it is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry around morning of November 30 as a depression with a wind speed of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph," it said.

As it approaches land, the system is expected to weaken into a depression with wind speeds ranging from 45 to 55 km/h, gusting up to 65 km/h.

Paddy crops in over 800 acres of land have been completely submerged, leaving farmers in distress.

The affected areas include Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanamadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Eeravayal, and Chemboadi.

The Indian Navy on Thursday activated a comprehensive disaster response plan as Cyclone Fengal intensifies in the Bay of Bengal.

The Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with Headquarters Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (HQTN&P), has activated a robust disaster response mechanism to mitigate the cyclone's potential effects.

Focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and search and rescue (SAR) operations, naval authorities are working closely with state and civil administrations to ensure rapid response capabilities.

Coastal authorities have been urged to remain on high alert as the system approaches landfall.

With agencies inputs