Heavy rainfall batters Chennai as northeast monsoon brings rain fury, over 20 cm recorded in 24 hours
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry usually receive rainfall during the northeast monsoon season which officially sets in between October and December every year.
Chennai experienced heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, with the meteorological department reporting over 20 cm of rain in many parts of the city and its surrounding areas. The Regional Meteorological Centre revealed that six locations in North Chennai, including Parrys, received the highest rainfall, totaling 36.3 cm within the same period. Twelve other locations in the city saw rainfall exceeding 11.5 cm.
Parrys received the most rainfall at 36 cm, followed by Kathivakkam in North Chennai with 34 cm. Central Chennai recorded 27 cm, while Thiruvottiyur and Ennore each had 22 cm. MGR Nagar in Chennai logged 19 cm of rainfall during this period.
Despite the intense rainfall, there have been no major accidents or loss of life reported. The Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, has directed senior officials, lawmakers, and ministers to undertake relief and rehabilitation work in affected areas.
The government has engaged nearly 15,000 conservancy staff to clear debris and water from inundated zones. Additionally, 650 electric motor pumps and tractor-mounted pumps have been deployed to remove rainwater. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed for rehabilitation efforts, with four teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on standby.
As of now, major arterial roads have been cleared of rainwater, and most streets have been drained of stagnant water. However, efforts to remove water from low-lying areas continue, and subway traffic movement has been restored. Nine relief centers have been established to assist those affected by the heavy downpour.
The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts that isolated areas in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Villuppuram, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, Erode, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, Salem, Tiruvallur, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, and other districts may experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning.
Moderate rain is also expected in many parts of Tamil Nadu with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning at one or two places. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has urged citizens to stay safe and follow official weather forecasts and safety guidelines.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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