The Tamil Nadu state government has said that schools and colleges will remain closed on November 8 and 9 in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet, after Chennai received a record rainfall over the weekend that led to flooding in various parts.
The northeast monsoon is Tamil Nadu’s primary monsoon and brings sufficient rainfall to the state. All other states rely on the southwest monsoon, which usually sets in during May, to July.
While the southwest monsoon helps Tamil Nadu maintain groundwater tables after a prolonged summer, the northeast monsoon elevates it.
Data from Nungambakkam in the city and Meenambakkam in the suburbs suggests that the city and the suburbs received 21.5 cm and 11.3 cm rainfall, respectively, by 8.30 AM.
In one of Chennai’s heaviest rain episodes in 2015, the city recorded rainfall of 24.6 cm in 24 hours on November 15 and 16, breaking a November 2005 record of 14.2 cm.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDRF) has been deployed across a few cities in TN to monitor the situation.
Chief Minister MK Stalin inspected some of the affected areas and has assured that men and machinery are ready for any emergency.
The weather department says a likely low pressure in the Bay of Bengal will bring in more rains in the days ahead.
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