Residents of Chennai were greeted by intense rainfall on Monday morning, coinciding with their Diwali celebrations. The continuous downpour over two days has led to severe waterlogging throughout the city, causing major disruptions to travel and daily life.
Social media is abuzz with visuals depicting submerged streets and flooded runways at Chennai airport. Areas such as Velachery, Medavakkam, Pallikaranai, and Neelankarai along the East Coast Road (ECR) have been particularly hard-hit. The heavy rain has caused significant water accumulation on major roadways, leading to slow traffic and a general halt in normal activities.
In low-lying neighborhoods, residents have reported flooded streets and overflowing drainage systems. Commuters faced knee-deep water in many parts of south Chennai, highlighting the severity of the situation. Authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution as intermittent showers are predicted to persist throughout the day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in the coming hours across Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, Karaikal, and surrounding districts. Further rainfall is expected along the Tamil Nadu coast until October 22.
Nilgiris Mountain Railway Services Suspended Due to Landslides
In the scenic Nilgiris region, heavy rains triggered multiple landslides, leading to the cancellation of services on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR). Tracks between Kallar and Coonoor are blocked by earth slips and fallen trees, halting train operations. Services for three trains, including the Mettupalayam–Udagamandalam route, were suspended on October 19.
Coastal Districts Grapple with Rain’s Impact
Several coastal and delta districts, including Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Villupuram, have been experiencing heavy showers since Sunday. While markets in Thoothukudi continued to operate despite the rain, the District Administration declared a holiday for schools in the district due to flooding.
In Cuddalore, the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare has issued warnings to fishermen, advising them against venturing into the sea. Mechanized boats, catamarans, and other vessels have been instructed to remain docked until further notice.
Chief Minister Reviews Preparedness Measures
Chief Minister MK Stalin convened a review meeting regarding the rainfall situation. He directed officials to ensure the safety of residents in low-lying and coastal areas by relocating them to safer places if necessary. The Chief Minister stated that while no major damages have been reported yet, precautionary measures are in place, including the readiness of relief camps, in anticipation of further heavy rainfall on October 21 and 22. Efforts have also been made to secure harvested paddy.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has augmented its flood preparedness by increasing the number of relief centers from 116 to 215 across the city.
The IMD had previously indicated the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, which is expected to move northwestward and intensify into a deep depression. This system is anticipated to bring widespread rainfall to Tamil Nadu’s coastal regions in the coming days.