Chennai: In anticipation of heavy rainfall, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts for October 15. This decision was made during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday. The Chief Minister also directed authorities to issue advisories for IT companies in these districts, allowing employees to work from home from October 15 to 18, according to an official release.

During the meeting, the Chennai Corporation Commissioner reported that significant preparations have been made for monsoon season. "We have 990 pumps and 57 tractors with pump sets ready, along with 36 motorboats, 46 metric tons of bleach powder, 25 metric tons of lime powder, and phenol," he said. Additionally, 169 camp offices, cooking facilities for rescue operations, 59 JCBs, 272 tree cutters, 176 water drainers, 130 generators, and 115 lorries are on standby.

District collectors from Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram also shared the precautionary measures implemented in their areas. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin stated, "We are fully prepared for the monsoon rains. The CM has announced holidays for schools in Chennai and Tiruvallur as we expect heavy rains tomorrow. We have issued work-from-home orders for private companies to ensure public safety." Heavy rains had already impacted Tiruvallur district the previous evening, resulting in waterlogging in several areas, including the Ponneri railway subway. Local authorities are currently assessing the flooding situation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal on October 14, and it is expected to evolve into a well-marked low-pressure area, moving northwest towards northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh within the next two days. The IMD has issued an orange alert, indicating that isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from October 12-16, with the most intense downpours likely on October 14-15. Earlier forecasts indicated heavy rains in several districts, including Dharmapuri, Salem, Nilgiris, Erode, and more.

Chennai and neighboring areas are also poised for heavy to very heavy rainfall as the northeast monsoon is likely to set in by October 15 or 16. The southwest monsoon's withdrawal is expected to conclude within the next four days, paving the way for the much-anticipated northeast monsoon. The IMD has also reported a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal, which is likely to develop into a low-pressure area over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal by October 14. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea until October 17 due to rough sea conditions and gusty winds.

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