Torrential rains have battered Tamil Nadu, particularly the capital city Chennai and surrounding districts, prompting authorities to issue red alerts and shutter educational institutions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next few days, raising concerns about flooding and disruptions to daily life.
Chennai, which was on red alert early this week, is placed on orange alert today, but the warning of heavy rains with thunderstorm are issued by the IMD department. The heavy downpour, which began on 14 October, has already led to widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas of Chennai, including residential localities such as Velachery and Thoraipakkam.
“The rains have caused great inconvenience for the residents. Daily perishable items like milk, bread, etc are hard to buy,” said a resident of Chennai, Jebaraj to Christian Today. “Prices of all the vegetables have gone up, and that affects the low income group drastically,” added he.
The deluge is attributed to a well-marked low-pressure area over the central part of the South Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression and move towards the north Tamil Nadu coast over the next two days. This weather system, coupled with a depression over the westcentral Arabian Sea, is driving moisture-laden clouds into the region, resulting in intense rainfall.
Chennai's two weather stations at Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam recorded substantial rainfall of 52.9 cm and 42.6 cm respectively between 8:30 am on 14 October and 5:30 am on 15 October. The city has witnessed an average rainfall of approximately 5 cm in the past 24 hours, according to Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
The heavy rains have already caused significant disruptions to transportation. At least eight flights have been cancelled as runways became inaccessible due to inclement weather conditions. Out of 22 subways in Chennai, two have been flooded, leading to traffic closures. Authorities have reported fallen trees in around eight areas, with teams working to clear the debris.
“Water entered the homes in the low-lying areas, and their furniture, television and other household items got submerged in the water, causing great damage to property and financial setback to families,” said Jebaraj.
In response to the weather crisis, the Tamil Nadu government has taken several precautionary measures. The state government has instructed the state officials to declare holiday for October 18. As per reports, they might switch to online classes. Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed information technology companies to allow employees to work from home until 18 October.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has readied 990 pumps, 57 tractors equipped with pump sets, and 36 mechanised boats for emergency use. Additionally, 46 metric tonnes of bleach powder, 25 metric tonnes of lime powder, and phenol have been prepared for immediate deployment if needed.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been actively monitoring the situation, conducting surveys of affected areas such as the Narayanapuram lake banks and Ambedkar road canals. He assured the public that despite the heavy rainfall, the situation remains under control, with no power cuts reported in Chennai.
The state government has also mobilised disaster response teams. Twenty-six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been positioned in Chennai and coastal areas to handle any emergencies that may arise.
“Tamil Nadu special health camp for the rainy season has been started in 1000 locations all over the state and around 100 health camps have been started in Chennai alone by the concerned department," said Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Jebaraj pointed to the practical issues that the residents are facing. “The drains are overflowing, and the dirty drain water is mixing with the rainwater and entering homes. Those walking in the water and commuting also face this serious health hazard.”
Jebaraj said that the rich and the healthy might cope with the inconvenience caused by the floods, but what about the old people who are living alone. How do they purchase their daily needs? “The government should specially reach out to these old singles and couples and help them,” said Jebaraj.
The current spell of heavy rains is expected to mark the onset of the Northeast monsoon over Tamil Nadu. The IMD has predicted that the withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon in the coming days will pave the way for the simultaneous setting in of easterly and northeasterly winds, heralding the start of the Northeast monsoon rainfall over the state.
As Tamil Nadu braces for more intense rainfall in the coming days, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines. The meteorological department has advised people in affected regions to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential adverse impacts.
“We stocked ourselves with food and water,” said John Simeon, Pastor of Emmanuel Methodist Church, Vepery to Christian Today. “Above all, we are praying for those in low lying areas,” added Simeon.
