Chennai Rains Ravage Perambur, Kolathur; Heavy Flooding Anticipated Amid Red Alert

Chennai’s ongoing monsoon season has wreaked havoc across several districts, with Perambur and Kolathur bearing the brunt of the downpour. In just 12 hours, these areas recorded more than 160 mm of rainfall, surpassing the forecasted orange alert levels of 115 to 204 mm. As heavy rains continue to pound the city, authorities have issued a red alert, signaling that even worse weather may be in store.

By midday on Tuesday, Perambur recorded 165.3 mm of rain, while Kolathur received 158.1 mm. In total, eight of the city’s 30 rain stations reported precipitation levels above 120 mm, making this one of the heaviest rainfall events in recent years. The intensity was especially concentrated in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar and Ambattur, where all four monitoring stations recorded more than 120 mm of rain.

While certain parts of the city received staggering rainfall amounts, other areas, like Alandur, saw minimal downpour with just 20.1 mm recorded. The Greater Chennai Corporation reported an average rainfall of 99.8 mm across all stations, with more than 12 stations exceeding the 100 mm mark.

Government Responds: Public Holiday Declared

In light of the dire weather situation, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday for Wednesday, October 16, covering most government offices and educational institutions. The decision follows the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) warning that a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, bringing more heavy rains to the region.

Schools, colleges, and government offices in Puducherry and Bengaluru will also remain closed. Private offices have been advised to operate with minimal staff or offer work-from-home options to ensure safety during the hazardous weather conditions.

In a statement, Tamil Nadu officials confirmed the presence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. This system has formed a low-pressure area off the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, potentially leading to isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall.

The City Struggles: Drainage System Under Pressure

As the rains continue to lash Chennai, the city’s infrastructure is once again being tested. Flooded streets and waterlogged roads have become a common sight, particularly in low-lying areas where the inadequate drainage system has failed to keep up with the deluge.

Even major roads in central Chennai have been submerged, causing severe disruptions to traffic. Commuters struggled through knee-deep water, with some areas seeing flooding as deep as waist level. The lack of a comprehensive drainage solution has left pedestrians and motorists vulnerable to dangerous conditions, prompting many residents to stay indoors.

Speaking on the situation, local auto driver Abdul Khadar commented, “It’s difficult to ride in this rain and flooded roads.” His sentiment was echoed by many, as public transport ground to a halt and few vehicles ventured onto the streets.

Boats were deployed in severely affected neighborhoods, such as AGS Colony in Velachery, to rescue stranded residents from their homes. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force have been stationed in vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure.

Flights Disrupted: Cancellations and Delays Pile Up

As the torrential rains continued, flights in and out of Chennai International Airport were hit hard. A total of 12 flights were canceled, while 23 others faced delays due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. Among the affected flights were Scoot Airlines, Oman Air, and Indigo Airlines, all of which cited operational and commercial reasons for the cancellations.

According to airport officials, departures were delayed as well, with some flights postponed for several hours. For instance, Air India Express flights to Hyderabad and Singapore were delayed by nearly three hours due to thunderstorms and poor surface visibility. Passengers were advised to check flight schedules before traveling to the airport to avoid further inconvenience.

Weather Forecast: More Rain Expected in Coming Days

The IMD has issued a fresh red alert for Chennai and the surrounding districts of Tiruvallur, Chengalpet, and Kancheepuram, warning of more extreme weather ahead. The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression and continue moving toward the Tamil Nadu coast.

With the Northeast Monsoon officially underway, Chennai is bracing for additional rainfall over the next two days. The heavy rains mark the beginning of the monsoon season, which typically brings with it a host of challenges, including flooding and infrastructure breakdowns.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during this period. He also assured the public that emergency services are on high alert and ready to respond to any crises.

Impact on Daily Life: Businesses and Offices Affected

Chennai’s heavy rainfall has not only disrupted transport but also taken a toll on local businesses and workers. Many daily-wage earners, particularly in the transport sector, were unable to work due to the weather conditions. Private companies have been urged to minimize their workforce or switch to remote work for the remainder of the week.

Government officials confirmed that essential services, such as police, fire rescue, hospitals, and public utilities, will remain operational despite the adverse weather. However, all other government offices and educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts will remain closed for the time being.

Conclusion

As Chennai battles through yet another monsoon season, the city’s long-standing infrastructure issues have once again come into focus. The inadequate drainage systems and poor urban planning have exacerbated the situation, leaving residents vulnerable to flooding and disrupting daily life.

With more heavy rains forecast for the coming days, authorities are on high alert, and rescue operations are underway. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging period.