Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 14 : Anticipating heavy rainfall in Chennai with the onset of the northeast monsoon in the next two days, residents living around Velachery parked their cars on the Velachery flyover in an attempt to prevent any damage to their vehicles.
Apart from that, in light of the heavy rain forecast, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts for October 15.
The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday. While Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam holds a meeting with concerned officials and directed them to make necessary arrangements.
Meanwhile, Scientist 'G & Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, Dr. S. Balachandran said, "...In 24 hours, heavy rainfall is expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts. Heavy rainfall is expected in north coastal districts from Delta till Tiruvallur tomorrow. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the seas. The red alert issued includes both quantity of rainfall and impact."
The Chief Minister also instructed the authorities to issue an advisory to allow employees of IT companies in these districts to work from home from October 15 to 18, an official release said.
In the meeting, the Chennai Corporation Commissioner said, "990 pumps and 57 Tractors with pump sets are ready. 36 motorboats, 46 Metric tons of Bleach powder, 25 metric tons of lime Powder, and Phenol are kept ready. Additionally,169 camp offices, cooking spaces in the required amount, for rescue operations, 59 JCB, 272 tree cutters, 176 water drainers, 130 generators, and 115 lorries are on standby as part of monsoon preparedness."