Heavy Rainfall Lashes Chennai: Schools, Colleges Shut, Flights Cancelled Amid Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions

Chennai, India – Heavy overnight rains lashed Chennai and surrounding areas on Monday night, leading to widespread waterlogging and major disruptions in normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify and move towards Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, bringing more rain over the next two days.

While preventive maintenance has prevented water stagnation in the subways, the city still saw significant waterlogging in low-lying areas, causing inconvenience to road users. Many residents were forced to navigate waterlogged streets, and the local authorities have urged the public to stay indoors wherever possible.

Emergency Preparedness: Schools and Colleges Closed, NDRF Deployed

Anticipating further rain, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin held a review meeting on Monday to ensure that the state is well-prepared for any challenges. He directed authorities to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts on October 15. The decision was made to safeguard the students amid the ongoing weather disturbances.

In addition, the Chief Minister directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) to be deployed in advance in areas prone to flooding. Local authorities were instructed to ramp up relief operations, prepare shelters, and ensure the availability of essentials like food and water.

The Greater Chennai Corporation has readied a fleet of 990 pumps, 57 tractors with pump sets, and 36 mechanized boats to respond to emergencies. Civic officials reported that 169 relief centers are fully equipped and will be operational if necessary. The government is also focusing on sanitation efforts, with 46 MT of bleaching powder and phenyl set aside for post-flood cleaning.

Flight Disruptions: Passengers Advised to Check Schedules

The heavy rainfall also caused flight cancellations at Chennai International Airport on Tuesday, affecting travel plans for many passengers. According to an official statement, eight flights were cancelled, including routes between Chennai and Bengaluru, Andaman, New Delhi, and Muscat. The impacted flights include services from Akasa Air, IndiGo, and Oman Air.

Passengers scheduled to fly from Chennai are advised to contact their airlines and confirm departure times, as the situation is fluid and further changes may occur due to the worsening weather. However, all other flights are operating normally as of Tuesday morning, though there may be delays due to adverse conditions.

Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions Across the City

As the rains continued into Tuesday morning, Chennai experienced significant traffic congestion, with many roads submerged under water. Despite efforts to keep the city functioning, many commuters faced difficulties navigating flooded streets. The Velachery area saw residents parking their cars on flyovers to prevent damage from the rising water levels.

Public transportation has been affected, with many buses running late or changing routes due to the waterlogged roads. Commuters are urged to plan their travel carefully and avoid non-essential trips.

IMD Issues Red Alert for October 16

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain for Chennai and its neighboring districts over the coming days. An orange alert was issued for October 15, with a red alert in place for October 16. The IMD warned of extremely heavy rainfall in northern Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, particularly in and around Chennai, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh.

In its latest update, the IMD reported that the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to turn into a depression by the evening of October 15. This weather system is expected to bring torrential rains to the region, prompting local authorities to prepare for potential flooding and associated risks.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the seas due to rough conditions. The IMD’s forecast also suggests that moderate to heavy rainfall could continue across the region until October 18, with Chennai being particularly vulnerable.

Government’s Proactive Measures

During the review meeting, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between various departments to ensure safety and minimize disruption. He advised local authorities to stay on high alert and ensure that disaster relief mechanisms are ready for swift deployment.

The state government also issued an advisory to IT firms, recommending that employees in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts be allowed to work from home from October 15 to October 18. This measure is expected to reduce traffic on waterlogged roads and prevent unnecessary travel during the severe weather.

 

As Chennai braces for more heavy rain, the city’s residents and authorities are working together to mitigate the impact of the flooding. The government’s swift response and preparedness measures have helped keep the situation under control, but the next 48 hours will be critical. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow safety advisories closely as the city continues to face challenges due to the ongoing downpour.