Chennai rains: Waterlogging after overnight downpour, residents urged to avoid unnecessary travel

Chennai: Heavy overnight rain has left parts of Chennai and neighbouring districts grappling with waterlogging, prompting the Greater Chennai Corporation to step up its response as more intense rainfall is forecast over the coming days.

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Sameeran has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded areas. Chennai recorded more than 10 cm of rainfall, and precautionary measures have been put in place across the city, he said.

Residents have also been warned against gathering near waterlogged stretches or standing in flooded areas to take photographs.

More heavy rain forecast over Tamil Nadu

The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26.

A low-pressure area is likely to form on Wednesday over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast. Another low-pressure area may develop over the Bay of Bengal on October 23.

The forecast raises concerns over further waterlogging in areas already affected by the overnight downpour. Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur experienced heavy rain through the night.

Evacuations underway in waterlogged Chennai areas

Sameeran said evacuation operations were underway in waterlogged localities, while civic teams were responding to complaints related to the rain.

Complaints involving uprooted trees and power supply disruptions were also being addressed. Manali and Madhavaram accounted for most of the complaints concerning stagnant rainwater, according to the commissioner.

The corporation said its response measures had been prepared based on weather department data as it continued to assist residents in affected neighbourhoods.

Residents can contact the Greater Chennai Corporation helpline at 1913 to seek assistance or report rain-related problems.

With more rainfall expected, the corporation has urged people to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and cooperate with evacuation efforts.

With IANS inputs