Cyclonic Storm Threatens Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka

According to the reports on Thursday (28 November), a deep pressure area in the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm between the evening of Wednesday (27 November) and the morning of Friday (29 November, local time). The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings to fishermen, advising them not to venture into the sea. The storm is projected to move north-northwestward, passing near Sri Lanka over the next two days and heading towards the Tamil Nadu coast, with gusty winds expected at speeds of 50-60 kmph.

In Sri Lanka, more than 230,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and severe weather conditions. The storm has already claimed four lives, including two children, and left several others missing. The IMD has issued an orange alert for hefty rain in certain areas of Tamil Nadu, particularly in districts like Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry, and has also forecasted a yellow alert for heavy rains in additional regions such as Chennai, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam.

Heavy rainfall has already caused significant damage in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu, with farmers reporting the loss of at least 2,000 acres of standing paddy crops. The rains have inundated agricultural areas including Tiruvarur, Tiruthuraipoondi, and Mayiladuthurai, leading to substantial crop damage. The IMD predicts that the storm will continue its movement north-northwest and will likely land on the Tamil Nadu coast near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by the morning of November 30.

In response to the threat, the Indian Navy has also been placed on high alert, preparing for search and rescue operations. Emergency supplies, including food, water, medical supplies, and MREs, have been stocked, and naval personnel aircraft and boats are ready to assist affected communities. The Indian Coast Guard has similarly advised fishing boats to return to port as the storm approaches.

References

• Cyclonic Storm Set to Hit Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka Soon