Chennai: Contrary to predictions of massive rainfall, the cyclonic storm ‘Nada’ crossed the shores of Tamil Nadu this morning without causing much havoc. But sources from the Meteorological Department said there were chances of another depression forming in the southeast Bay of Bengal on 4 December.

In related news, 93 fishermen who ventured into the sea from Nagapattinam district on 25 November are yet to return. The family members and neighbours of these fishermen who belong to Kicchankuppam, Akkaraipettai and Kodayakarai fishing villages in the district are currently in a state of panic.

The depression over southwest Bay of Bengal moved westwards with a speed of about 10 kmph and crossed the north Tamil Nadu coast between 4:00 and 5:00 am today near Nagapattinam about 20 km south of Karaikal, 15 km west of Nagapattinam and 20 km southwest of Karaikal. It is likely to move nearly westward and weaken into a well-marked low pressure area during the next 12 hours.

“Squally weather will no longer affect Chennai, Ennore, Kattupally, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Karaikal, Puducherry, Pamban and Thoothukudi ports,” said an official from the Meteorological Department. “As far as the amount of rain is concerned, Vedaranyam recorded five cm, Adirampatnam and Nagapattinam recorded two cm each, Karaikal, Kumbakonam, Surakudi, Kodavasal, Aduthurai, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Nannilam, Tiruvaiyaru, Thiruthuraipoondi and Needamangalam recorded one cm each.

“In the next 24 hours, the sky condition is likely to be cloudy with intermittent rains and heavy showers. Surface winds will be strong and gusty at times,” he added. Though Chennai did not witness a good amount of rainfall from the depression, the temperature dropped significantly from the normal temperature. In addition, there was an appreciable fall between 2.1 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius at one or two places over coastal Tamil Nadu.

“While Meenambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 25.8 degrees Celsius, Nungambakkam recorded 27 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature dropped up to 3.5 degrees Celsius from the normal temperature during these days. Both the centres recorded a minimum temperature of 23.2 and 24 degrees Celsius respectively. Meenambakkam received 3.51 cm of rainfall and Nungambakkam received 3.95 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours,” the official added.

The government machinery was on its toes fearing floods like last year and all precautionary measures were taken, including deployment of NDRF and SDRF. While some parts of the city witnessed waterlogging, there was not much impact in most of the areas.

The Eastern Naval Command has assumed a high degree of readiness to render necessary humanitarian assistance. According to a press note, two Indian Naval ships Shakti and Satpura are standing by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistics support including providing medical aid. These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets, etc., in quantities sufficient to sustain over 5,000 people.