Storm Surge: Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms Batter Southern India

The Regional Meteorological Department in Chennai predicts increased thunderstorms across parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Nilgiri district schools face closures due to landslides and heavy rain. Kerala’s Kottayam district is also experiencing severe flooding with alerts issued. Authorities are working to manage the situation.

The Regional Meteorological Department in Chennai has forecasted an increase in thunderstorms across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and surrounding suburbs, in the coming days. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning is likely to be experienced in isolated regions over the next three days, particularly in Chennai, Nilgiris, and Coimbatore districts.

Heavy and continuous rainfall has led to landslides and traffic disruptions in Nilgiri district, prompting District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneru to declare a holiday for schools in regions like Ooty, Gudalur, Kundha, and Pandalu. Authorities are actively working to clear fallen trees and debris to restore normal traffic flow.

The adverse weather has also wreaked havoc in Kudalur and Bandalur areas, where floodwaters have invaded low-lying homes. Avalanchi area recorded the highest rainfall at 21 cm, followed by 12.6 cm in Cherangode. Rainfall was also significant in Upper Bhawani and Bandalur regions.

In Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Seetharamaraju district, District Collector AS Dinesh Kumar has declared a holiday for all educational institutions due to widespread rains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, to persist in various regions, including Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, over the next five days.

Very heavy rainfall is predicted in isolated areas of South Interior Karnataka and Coastal Karnataka on specific dates. Telangana and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh are also expected to experience heavy rain during the same period.

Severe rainfall has resulted in severe flooding in Kerala's Kottayam district, leaving many homes underwater. Flood warnings have been issued for northern districts, with yellow and orange alerts announced in various areas faced with impending heavy rains.

(With inputs from agencies.)