Chennai floods disrupt Diwali celebrations as heavy rains paralyse travel

Chennai: Heavy rainfall lashed Chennai on Diwali, causing widespread waterlogging and severe disruption to daily life and travel. The intense downpour, continuing from the past two days, flooded streets across the city, slowed traffic, and inundated airport runways.

Severe rainfall disrupts city life

Areas including Velachery, Medavakkam, Pallikaranai, and Neelankarai along the East Coast Road (ECR) were among the worst affected. Residents in low-lying parts of the city waded through knee-deep water, while commuters experienced major delays. Public transport and road traffic slowed considerably, creating challenges for daily commutes.

Airport runways under water

The Chennai airport saw runway inundation, affecting flight operations. Intermittent rainfall is expected throughout the day, prolonging the disruption and causing inconvenience to travellers.

Tamil Nadu weather alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that several districts, including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram, are likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall from October 20–24. Authorities have been advised to remain vigilant as rainfall is expected to intensify on October 23 and 24.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway services affected

Train services on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) were cancelled due to earth slips and fallen trees blocking tracks between Kallar and Coonoor. Affected trains include Mettupalayam–Udagamandalam (56136 and 06171) and Udagamandalam–Mettupalayam (56137).

Precautionary measures

Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to stay cautious of waterlogging and overflowing drains. Local authorities are monitoring affected regions and coordinating with disaster management teams to ensure public safety and restore services promptly.

As Chennai continues to experience heavy rains during Diwali, residents and travellers are advised to stay alert and plan travel accordingly. The IMD has called for continued vigilance over the coming days as further downpours are forecast.