Torrential rain predicted for weekend in TN

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu will get copious rain with thunder storms during the weekend, weather forecasters said on Friday. Neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka also could have incessant rain and thunderstorm on Saturday.

A cyclonic circulation that set in on Thursday is expected to persist in the southern peninsula. The Indian Meterological Department (IMD) fears “rough to very rough” sea conditions along the west coast, south Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and West Bengal.

The Agro Climate Research Centre (ACRC) in Coimbatore has forecast good northeast monsoon showers for all across Tamil Nadu. The centre at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is relied upon by farmers mostly.

There will be good rains from October to December all across the state, the centre said. Farmers can take delight from the forecast and prepare for cultivation in all districts, the centre said.

Tamil Nadu has poor rainfall in some districts during the northeast monsoon, but this year all districts will beneit, they said. Farmers can conidently go ahead with cropping programmes.

Coimbatore will have extra rain, at 363mm, while the normal used to remain at 328mm. A statement from the centre says the forecast is 60 per cent accurate.

Southwest monsoon was poor in Tamil Nadu and there is worry about the next rainy season. The state government has issued orders to all district collectors to identify villages that received poor rain in the last decade and launch conservation measures, including rain harvesting. Kanyakumari, Nilgiris, Theni, Tirunelveli and Virudhunagar districts have lagged in rainfall in the southwest monsoon season.

Chennai reservoirs are only 7 per cent full and water scarcity fears loom.

The Asian Development Bank recently sanctioned $500 million (Rs36 billion) for Tamil Nadu cities to improve water supply, and organise sewage systems. The plan could beneit some four million people and the money is part grant and part loan.

An initial assistance of $169 million will low to help Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Rajapalayam, Tirunelveli and Vellore.

Less than 50 per cent of Tamil Nadu households get pipe water. Sewage network is estimated to help only 43 per cent. The ADB scheme will focus on these two areas, according to a statement issued by the bank.