Low-pressure over Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into cyclone; TN to receive rain: IMD
Chennai (PTI): A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 27, IMD said on Friday.
With an active Northeast monsoon season underway, Tamil Nadu is expected to receive rainfall over the next two to three days due to the system.
Chief Minister M K Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin are closely monitoring the situation and directing senior Greater Chennai Corporation officials to implement precautionary measures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal moved slowly west-northwest and remained stationary over the same region.
"It is likely to move west-northwestwards, intensify into a depression over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal by October 25, further into a deep depression by October 26, and into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27," an IMD bulletin stated.
Several parts of Tamil Nadu recorded heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Pallipattu in Tiruvallur district receiving the highest at 15 cm, followed by Nalumukku in Tirunelveli at 12 cm. Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district recorded the lowest at 1 cm, according to the IMD.
The low-pressure system formed under the influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation early Friday morning.
Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until October 28. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu districts, besides neighbouring Puducherry, the IMD said.
For Chennai and neighbouring districts, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, with maximum temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius and minimum between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius. One or two spells of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning are likely over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until October 28, and those already at sea should return by the evening of Saturday.
The cyclone, reportedly named 'Montha' as per Thailand's suggestion under international convention, has prompted the Greater Chennai Corporation to ready equipment and personnel for any emergencies.
"As the northeast monsoon has become active over Tamil Nadu, bringing widespread rain, the Chief Minister reviewed preparedness measures to tackle the monsoon and directed officials to ensure that rainwater does not stagnate in low-lying areas," the GCC said in a release.
The CM is also reviewing the situation through video conferences with senior officials, including those from the police department, and has advised the civic body to take all necessary steps to ensure public safety, it added.
According to the GCC, 1,436 motor pumps, 150 high-capacity (100 HP) pumps, 500 tractor-mounted pumps, 478 vehicles and machines, and 457 tree-cutting units have been kept ready.
Relief camps have been set up at 215 locations, and 106 community kitchens are prepared to provide food.
A total of 24,149 personnel, including corporation staff and disaster response teams, have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. About 103 boats, including 36 owned by the civic body, have been kept on standby for evacuation.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
