Live Updates: A low pressure area in the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm and is expected to make landfall near the coast between Puducherry and Nellore on the morning of October 17 and is likely to cause heavy rain at several places of the south coast and Rayalaseema.

“The storm is expected to make landfall near the coast between Puducherry and Nellore tomorrow morning. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at several places on the south coast and Rayalaseema, with some areas expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall. Wind is blowing along the coast. “Speeds of 40-60 kmph are expected,” said Ronanki Kurmanath, Meteorological Department, Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority.

Live Updates: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that free food will be provided to people affected by the floods in Chennai at government-run budget canteens called Amma Canteens on Wednesday and Thursday be made available.

“All relief work is in full swing in the areas affected by the northeast monsoon yesterday. People living in low-lying areas will be accommodated in relief camps and provided with food and other assistance by the Metropolitan Chennai Corporation,” Stalin said in a post on X.

Live Updates: Tiruvallur district police in Tamil Nadu rescued hundreds of people affected by heavy rains from low-lying areas and shifted them to nearby relief centers.

They were provided with food and other basic needs such as water bottles and blankets. Police personnel continue to maintain strict vigil in Chennai and other neighboring districts.

Live Updates: Rain in Bengaluru has forced the match officials to postpone the toss for the first Test cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Live images from around the stadium show that it is still raining non-stop. Match officials are expected to take the throw once the weather clears.

Live Updates: The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday (October 16) announced a holiday for schools and colleges in four northern districts including Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram and Chengelpet as heavy rains lashed the state.

All government offices including those of public undertakings, corporations, boards etc. will be closed in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram on Tuesday.

However, all major services such as Police, Fire Service, Local Authorities, Milk Supply, Water Supply, Hospitals/Medical Shops, Banks, Financial Institutions, Power Supply, Transportation of Vegetables, Commodities and other essential goods, Transport, MTC, MRTS, CMRL, Railways, Airports, Airlines, port services, export and import institutions, gas stations, hotels/restaurants, etc., as well as all offices involved in disaster relief, relief and rescue activities are functioning as usual.