Chennai Rains: Schools Shut as Monsoon Spell Intensifies
Unabated rains have been lashing Chennai for a few days, bringing life in the city to a standstill.
Nearly after a week of respite, the coastal parts of Tamil Nadu are set to face a second spell of northeast monsoon showers. The Met Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region for the next 48 hours, owing to a pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
Earlier last week, heavy rains reportedly claimed at least 12 lives in the city, sparking fears of a repeat of the 2015 deluge. The Madras High Court had directed the Tamil Nadu Government to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of two girls who were electrocuted to death because of the floods.
- Heavy rains expected to continue from Monday
- Schools and colleges remain shut
- Madras University postpones exams scheduled for 4 November
- Madras High Court has ordered TN Govt to compensate families of 2 girls who were electrocuted because of fallen wires
Sporadic Heavy Rains in Chennai, Thiruvallur Expected
The rains in Chennai and neighbouring Thiruvallur district is expected to be sporadic, with breaks in between. The government has refused to put the city on a heavy rain alert, deciding to do so later in the evening.
Rains Make a Comeback, Schools Shut
Schools in Chennai and neighbouring Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts have been ordered to stay closed after the Met department predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu due to a low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
On Sunday, Nungambakkam recorded 52 mm of rainfall at 11 pm while Meenambakkam recorded 18.2 mm rainfall. The Met Department further predicted that the sky is likely to be overcast for the next 48 hours.
Residents can reach out to the Chennai Corporation helpline 1913, in case of any emergencies.
Rains to Reduce Gradually in Coming Days in TN: Met Dept
In what could come as some good news for the monsoon-battered districts of Tamil Nadu including this city, the Meteorological office today said that rains will reduce gradually in the coming days.
Many places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry received rains in the last 24 hours, SB Thampi, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, said.
In the next 24 hours, light spells of rains are expected in many places over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry while heavy rains have been forecast in one or two places in south Tamil Nadu, the Cauvery delta region and Puducherry, he said.
However, "there is a possibility of rains gradually reducing in the coming days," he added.
Over 10,000 Put up in 114 Relief Camps
More than 10,000 people in rain- battered Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Nagapattinam districts have taken shelter in over 100 relief camps, the Tamil Nadu government said on Saturday.
The state has gauged 174 mm of rainfall between 27 October and 3 November, a government statement said.
As many as 10,640 residents in low-lying areas have taken shelter in 114 relief centres in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Nagapattinam, the statement said.
The incessant downpour has brought the districts to their knees.
Special rescue and relief teams have been formed and dams and reservoirs are being monitored to prevent anti-social elements from creating problems, the statement said.
City Wakes Up to Light Rain on Saturday
The body of a 70-year-old street hawker was found floating near the Marina beach on 3 October. In a separate incident on Friday, the body of a man from Uttar Pradesh was found on a flooded road at Periamedu, the Times of India reported.
Madras University Exams Postponed
The Vice Chancellor of Madras University has announced that the exams scheduled for 4 November have been cancelled in lieu of the rains, the Times of India reports. The new dates will be announced later, the VC was quoted as saying.
Schools to Remain Closed
Schools across Chennai will continue to remain shut owing to prediction of more rains in the next 24 hours. Schools in the neighbouring Thiruvarur and Kancheepuram districts will also remain shut.
TN CM E Palaniswami Visits Affected Areas in Chennai
Amid criticism of the AIADMK regime's handling of the rain situation in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister K Palaniswami today visited various parts of the city and its suburbs, hit by water-logging, insisting that his government was working on a "war-footing".
Accompanied by his deputy O Panneerslevam and senior officials, the chief minister visited RK Nagar and Perungalathur on the city outskirts.
"Low-lying areas with water-logging were identified in the Chennai Corporation (limits) and Kancheepuram district.
Workers (here) worked on a war-footing and stagnant water has been removed," he told reporters.
People asked me to devise a permanent solution to the issue of inundation, Palaniswami said.
As part of the government's resolve to address the issue, a storm water drain system is being constructed for the city's needs and the work is over on 300 km of the proposed 386 km long system, he said.
The entire work will be completed soon, he said without divulging further details.
Visuals from Parry's Corner in Chennai
NDMA Releases List of Dos and Donts for Residents
The National Disaster Management Authority of India has released a list of dos and donts for affected residents.
Parts of TN to Receive Heavy Rains with Thundershower: Reports
Puducherry, Cuddalore and other districts in Tamil Nadu are expected to receive heavy rainfall accompanied with spells of thunder, reported local publication Puthiya Thalaimurai.
Schools, Colleges to Remain Shut
The Dinakaran Tamil publication reported that one more person has lost his life after stepping on a fallen electrical wire.
A government hospital in Chromepet has been flooded, with around 60 patients being shifted from the ground floor to the 1st floor, reported TOI. The Tamil Nadu state polytechnic exams that were scheduled for Friday have also been postponed. The University of Madras examinations have also been postponed indefinitely, The Hindu reported. Several residents of Chennai have taken to social media to share the extent of flooding across the city.
As several areas of the city remain waterlogged, some private firms were asked to declare a holiday too.
In addition, Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Agency has asked people to work from home to avoid traffic jams.
Some good samaritans took to social media to relay information about weather updates, and which areas of the city are now safe and accessible to go to.
The deluge brings back haunting memories of the 2015 floods that brought the city to a standstill, costing human life and animal life.
Visuals From the City
Chennai Rains Affect Daily Commute
As a result of the Chennai rains, bus, taxi, auto and suburban train services have been affected.
While heavy waterlogging hindered free movement of vehicles, a "signalling snag," hit train services between the St Thomas Mount and Kodambakkam suburban section since 9.30 pm on Thursday. Services were restored at 3.20 am on Friday morning, Railway officials said.
Heavy traffic congestion and serpentine queue of vehicles were seen at the arterial Kathipara grade separator, Guindy intersection, Saidapet and all along till Velachery through the Raj Bhavan point.
Flight operations at the city airport were normal, airport officials said.
DMK Working President Stalin Visits Flood-Hit Citizens
DMK Working President MK Stalin visited a number of flood-affected areas on 2 November, also taking the opportunity to take a political attack at the ruling EPS Government in Tamil Nadu, asking them to take steps to check flood damage.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)