Southern India faces serious flood threat as 400 mm of rain expected into weekend

The northeast monsoon is getting off to a fast start as flooding has already engulfed locations from Chennai to Karaikal.

Heavy thunderstorms left streets flooded and forced some schools to close in Chennai earlier this week, according to FirstPost. Rainfall has also totaled more than 250 mm (10 inches) in Chennai since Monday.

Rainfall has totaled over 300 mm (12 inches) in Karaikal since early Monday also forcing some school closures.

The death toll from the heavy rain and associated lightning currently stands at five, according to FirstPost.

One person was killed in Thinnaiyoor on Monday when his hut collapsed during the extreme weather. In a separate incident, a woman died in Cuddalore District after her home collapsed following more than 175 mm (7 inches) from Monday into Tuesday.

Despite the immediate hazards to lives and property, the northeast monsoon is vital to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where roughly 50 percent of the yearly rain falls from late October into December each year.

A weak monsoon can result in water shortages and poor crops the following year, while incessant rains can result in deadly flooding.

Frequent downpours are expected to continue each day into this weekend along the coast of Tamil Nadu.

These areas can expect total rainfall of 150-300 mm (6-12 inches) through this weekend with local amounts over 400 mm (16 inches).

Some of the hardest-hit locations will include Chennai and Puducherry.

The heavy rain threatens to cause new or aggravate ongoing flooding problems, as well as trigger mudslides and cause significant travel disruptions. Motorists should prepare for road closures.

Daily rainfall is expected across Kerala and southern Karnataka; however, flooding will be localized in these areas.

Downpours will also return to the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh this weekend, where there can be localized amounts of 75-150 mm (3-6 inches).

Downpours will persist across Sri Lanka into this weekend, bringing a high risk for flooding and mudslides.

Northern and western parts of the island, including Colombo, are expected to be hardest hit into Friday. Rain totals for this week may be pushed to 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) of rain.

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