The southern coast of India, authorities are on high alert, bracing for its impact as it nears landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several southern states, with significant weather events expected, including heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flooding.
According to Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, the cyclone is projected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, on Saturday evening. The cyclone, currently a cyclonic storm, is expected to bring strong winds of 50-60 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. Coastal districts, especially between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall starting from late Friday afternoon into Saturday. The rainfall, particularly intense between 1 and 2 PM, could lead to localized flooding and disruptions in these areas.
In a statement to ANI, Dr. Balachandran emphasized that the storm would intensify slightly before landfall, with winds reaching speeds of 70-80 km/h, and gusts of up to 90 km/h expected along the coast. The cyclone’s influence will not be confined to Tamil Nadu alone; it is also predicted to affect South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and parts of interior Karnataka, with heavy rainfall continuing until December 1. The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre in Andhra Pradesh has issued warnings of “extremely heavy rainfall” for districts like Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor. Coastal and low-lying areas are at risk of storm surges, making it imperative for residents and fishermen to heed safety advisories. Fishermen in Puducherry and nearby areas are advised to stay off the sea and relocate their boats to higher grounds to avoid potential flooding and the threat of storm surges.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay alert, follow all weather advisories, and prepare for possible disruptions, including power outages and transportation delays. This cyclone highlights the vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events, exacerbated by changing climate patterns. While such storms are not uncommon, the increasing intensity and frequency of these events are becoming a source of concern for local communities. As communities in the affected regions brace for the cyclone’s arrival, the government and emergency services are working to ensure that preparedness measures are in place. Evacuation plans, particularly in flood-prone areas, are being finalized, and local relief teams are on standby. This storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the importance of timely warnings, preparedness, and a collective effort to minimize the impact of such catastrophic events.
