Heavy rains lash Southern India: Alerts issued across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra, and Karnataka

Tamil Nadu continues to experience heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to close schools in multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted intense rainfall across several southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, due to a newly formed low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The downpour is expected to persist until December 16, with alerts issued for several districts.



Alerts issued for Tamil NaduOn December 11, areas including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Pudukkottai were under an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) for Tamil Nadu. In isolated areas of Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Chennai, and Tiruvallur, a yellow alert has been issued. Through December 16, the state is predicted to see heavy rainfall.
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Kerala braces for intense rainIn Kerala, the RMC has issued an orange alert for Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts on December 12. Additionally, heavy rainfall is likely today in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. On December 13, rains are forecasted for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kasaragod districts.

Other states on alertAndhra Pradesh and Yanam: Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema regions are likely to experience heavy rainfall on December 11 and 12.

Karnataka: The South Interior region may see heavy rains on December 12 and 13, while Coastal Karnataka is expected to experience intense rainfall on December 13.
Most of the peninsula and west-central India, as well as parts of east-central and northeast India, are expected to have above-normal rainfall throughout December, according to the IMD. On the other hand, the country's north, northwest, and some eastern regions are predicted to have normal to below-average rainfall.

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Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated on local forecasts and heed official warnings. The ongoing rains could lead to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and possible flooding in low-lying regions.
The situation could change as the low-pressure system develops, and in order to ensure public safety, authorities are keeping a careful eye on weather events.