Chennai and several districts in Tamil Nadu are grappling with intense rainfall, leading to waterlogged streets and traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in Chennai and neighboring areas. Consequently, schools in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, and Kanchipuram districts are closed for the day, and both schools and colleges in Thiruvallur have suspended classes.
Wednesday witnessed heavy rain causing flooding in low-lying regions across Chennai and other Tamil Nadu districts. Images portrayed streets in Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Thiruvallur submerged in knee-deep water, exacerbating traffic congestion in the city.
Despite the receding rainwater in several parts of Chennai, persistent downpours this morning have left certain areas waterlogged. Chennai Corporation Commissioner J Radhakrishnan shared insights, emphasizing the limited outlets for water drainage in the city, causing slow water dissipation.
Radhakrishnan reassured that authorities are releasing water strategically from the brimming lakes, utilizing around 500 pumps for effective rainwater discharge. He highlighted the city’s preparedness, boasting 162 ready relief centers, equipped to address food distribution, rain-related accidents, and illnesses.
With 6,000 complaints received in the last 24 hours, ranging from water stagnation inside homes to tree falls, Radhakrishnan termed them “reasonable.” The Tamil Nadu government appointed 15 monitoring officers for Chennai’s wards, closely monitoring the evolving rain situation.
The Chennai Corporation initiated helpline numbers to aid residents requiring assistance amid the rain. The IMD issued an orange alert for Chennai and adjacent districts on December 2-3, indicating the potential for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
In its latest bulletin, the IMD reported a well-marked low-pressure area in the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining south Andaman Sea. Predicting its west-northwestward movement, turning into a depression over the Bay of Bengal today, the IMD anticipates further intensification into a cyclonic storm by December 2.
In anticipation of the cyclone threat, five NDRF teams have been deployed in Chennai, Chengalpet, and Villupuram districts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has instructed officials, ministers, MLAs, and local body representatives to provide necessary assistance to the affected regions.
The IMD extended its forecast, anticipating rain and thunderstorm activity in other southern states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Puducherry, and Karaikal, until December 4. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing efforts to manage the impact of heavy rainfall in the affected areas.
