Chennai

According to the observations by the Indian Meteorological Department(IMD), a low-pressure area has formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal, as of 5:30 am IST, Monday (Oct 14).

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Over the next 48 hours, it is likely to become a well-marked low-pressure area and move west-northwestwards towards North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts, which puts Chennai city and adjoining districts on track for rainfall. 

In Meteorology, a low-pressure area is a region where the atmospheric pressure is lower than the surrounding areas. Low-pressure systems often bring overcast skies, showers, or storms. Strong low-pressure systems can intensify into larger weather events like tropical storms, cyclones, or hurricanes. 

Also read: Water supply to be affected in Noida and Ghaziabad till Nov 2

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Owing to this evolving weather system, Chennai and adjoining districts are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday. However, there is a forecast of extremely heavy rainfall in Chennai and adjoining districts for Wednesday, on Thursday this could subside to heavy rainfall over the region. 

As per the IMD's classification, heavy rainfall amounts to 6.4-11.5 cm of downpour in 24 hours, whereas very heavy rainfall amounts to 11.5 cm to 20.4 cm in 24 hours. In case of extremely heavy rainfall, it is more than 20.4 cm in 24 hours. 

NDRF teams on alert

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Ten teams of the National Disaster Response Force(NDRF), comprising a total of 300 personnel are on standby at Arakkonam, near Chennai. In addition to this, one team has already been pre-positioned in Chennai city for any immediate requirements.

NDRF teams are working in close coordination with the State authorities, to render assistance at the required time and place.

Each of these NDRF teams is prepared with rubber boats, tree-cutting chainsaws, communications equipment, ropes and harnesses, first aid kids etc.