"Heavy Rain predicted today and tomorrow," says: Tamil Nadu Officials

The State Govt. is working to rescue and overcome the damage by the rainfall, free food and health aid is provided

Tamil Nadu: The cities of Tamil Nadu have been shrouded with heavy clouds. Therefore, a 'red alert' of heavy rains has been issued for 20 districts across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, after a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression.

According to the weather reports, the clouds are expected to move west-northwest and reach Tamil Nadu's northern coast by tomorrow morning, which may result in heavy rainfall over parts of the southern state and neighbouring cities.

As per the officials, the Tamil Nadu Govt. has set up 434 'siren towers' to alert authorities to floods and other emergencies. Also, the State Govt. is working with the mobile telecoms service to maintain the connectivity of the mobile networks. Almost 50 cellular phone towers (on wheels) are ready for use.

According to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, Chennai recorded 3.2 cm of rain till 8 a.m. on Tuesday. The probability of heavy rainfalls is of November 10 and 11.

The Govt. declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai on November 10 and 11.

Almost 46 boats and JCBs or earthmovers, over 500 giant motor pumps are deployed to rescue people or the needy in Chennai.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the rain-affected areas of the city and distributed health and food aid.

The officials said, "169 relief centres are operational and floods from rainfall earlier this week have been cleared in 216 of around 400 areas. 14 of 16 flooded subways have also been cleared. Free food will be given at 'Amma canteens' and the Chennai Corporation will distribute food packets to communities in low-lying areas."