CM Vijay Inspects Chembarambakkam Lake as Cyclone Threat Looms
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay inspects Chembarambakkam Lake as cyclone warnings hit 9 ports and the northeast monsoon intensifies.
With the northeast monsoon intensifying and a potential cyclonic storm brewing in the Bay of Bengal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay conducted a critical review of Tamil Nadu flood preparedness on Monday. The Chief Minister visited the Chembarambakkam Lake near Chennai to personally assess the measures in place to prevent flooding and manage heavy rainfall.
Focus on Water Levels and Reservoir Capacity
During his inspection, CM Vijay scrutinized the current water levels and the rate of inflow into the reservoir. The visit aimed to ensure that officials are fully equipped to handle the pressure on the region's flood management systems as the rainy season peaks.
According to the data reviewed during the visit:
- Current Water Level: 14.76 feet.
- Full Capacity: 24 feet.
- Current Storage: 1.488 thousand million cubic feet.
Cyclone Alert: Depression Intensifies in Bay of Bengal
The urgency of the review comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracks a dangerous weather system. A low-pressure area that formed over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal on October 24 has since intensified into a depression.
The IMD predicts that this system will move northwestwards and strengthen further, potentially developing into a very severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to be positioned over the west-central Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, by the morning of October 28.
Landfall and Wind Speed Predictions
The weather system is likely to cross the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, around the forenoon of October 28. Meteorologists warn of severe conditions during landfall, with wind speeds expected to reach 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph.
Warning Signals and Regional Impact
In response to the escalating threat, cyclone warning signals have already been hoisted at nine major ports. These include:
- Chennai
- Nagapattinam
- Cuddalore
- Karaikal
- Pamban
- Thoothukudi
The impact of the active northeast monsoon is already being felt across the region. Puducherry and its surrounding areas have been witnessing continuous rainfall since Saturday night. Forecasts indicate that heavy to very heavy rainfall will persist in Puducherry, Karaikal, and the adjacent districts of Tamil Nadu.