Ockhi retreats, new low pressure forms
Weathermen say the system may turn into a depression and bring more rain to north TN in the next 48 hours
By : migrator
Update: 2017-12-01 20:02 GMT
Chennai
Heavy rains continued to batter coastal areas of Kerala and south Tamil Nadu on Friday, crippling normal life, even as Cyclone Ockhi lay centered about 80km north-northeast of Minicoy in Lakshadweep. The death toll in the two states in rain-related incidents rose to 12. Authorities on Friday declared a holiday for schools and colleges in five districts, including Kanniyakumari.
As the toll in Kanniyakumari district mounted to five on Friday, a low pressure system over the South Andaman Sea is expected to turn into a depression in the next 48 hours, which may bring more rain to north Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced a solatium of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of each of the victims, an official release said.
“A well-marked low pressure is lying over South Andaman Sea. It is expected to concentrate into a depression in the next 48 hours,” RMC Director S Balachandran said. The system is likely to move towards north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra coast in the next four days. “This is the current situation and we are monitoring the system.” As per the latest MeT bulletin, the system is very likely to intensify further during the next 24 hours. “It is very likely to continue to move west-northwestwards across Lakshadweep islands during the next 24 hours and then move north-northeastwards during the subsequent 48 hours,” it added.
In the next 24 hours, more rain is expected in most places in TN and Puducherry. Heavy rainfall can be expected in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni and Dindigul, he said. Weathermen said the sky in Chennai would remain overcast for the next couple of days with a few spells of rain or thundershower in some areas.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to CM Edappadi K Palaniswami with regard to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ockhi in the state, on Friday night. The CM apprised him of the rescue and relief measures and sought Central assistance for the damages caused. He informed the PM that a damage assessment report will be forwarded to the Centre. Modi assured that all possible assistance will be given.
Rampage of Rain
- 12- Death toll inKanniyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram
- 218 fishermen from Kerala brought safely to shore
- 1,200 persons in Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli districts, lodged in relief camps
- Rains in Chennai region and Southern and delta regions have filled main reservoirs across the state. While farmers are happy, Chennai suburbs need more rains, as water level in metro lakes is not enough to meet the requirement of drinking water in the city
- Public Works Department in Chennai has swung into action, as almostall the dams are brimming with water
- Trees in the premises of the famous Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanniyakumari were uprooted. A portion of rooftiles were also damaged
- In Lakshadweep, orders have been issued to evacuate people in low-lying areas in Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kavratti, Agatti, Androth, Kadamath and Amini islands, officials said
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android