NDRF deployed as heavy rain continues in Nilgiris, Coimbatore

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Department has issued a red alert to the Nilgiris and a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert to Coimbatore and Theni districts on account of upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. Chennai will also receive sporadic rainfall. Following the alert, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Ranipet and Arakkonam have been deployed in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore due to heightened risks of flooding and landslides.

According to the RMC, an upper air cyclonic circulation is prevailing over the Bay of Bengal near the North coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha. Due to this weather pattern, several parts of Tamil Nadu will receive rainfall.

The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and the adjoining hilly regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on June 14 and 15, with isolated areas likely to witness extremely heavy downpours next two days.

The RMC also predicted heavy rain at isolated pockets across Tirupur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar and Kanniyakumari on June 15. The uprooting of trees, blockage of roads, landslides or mudslides are likely in hilly areas due to the weather conditions. Inland flooding in low-lying areas is also expected in the Western Ghats.

Authorities have urged residents to stay alert and take all necessary precautions against potential disruptions such as landslides, waterlogging, and poor visibility.

Northern districts such as Cuddalore and Ariyalur are expected to see an increase in precipitation starting from Tuesday. According to weather experts, if the wind steering is favourable, Chennai will receive rainfall at isolated places.