Heavy rain in Chennai causes waterlogging and traffic disruptions

Heavy rain continued to lash Chennai, disrupting normal life and leading to waterlogging and traffic congestion in the state capital on Tuesday morning.

Visuals showed commuters clad in raincoats navigating roads filled with rainwater.
Severe waterlogging was witnessed in the Koyambedu area of Chennai after incessant rainfall.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall were expected in parts of Chennai and Thiruvallur districts until 10.00 am on Tuesday. Additionally, the weather agency predicted light rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas of Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts.

The IMD warned that the ongoing rainfall could lead to slippery roads and further traffic delays. Minor damages from unsecured structures and slick roads were also a concern in some parts of the city.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted a survey of Narayanapuram lake banks and Ambedkar road canals on Monday as the state experienced heavy rainfall earlier.

“As heavy rains are falling in various parts of Chennai, as per the directions of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin we conducted a survey on the banks of Narayanapuram lake between Pallikaranai and Kovilambakkam,” read a post by the Deputy CM on X.

Additionally, the deputy CM said that he met with the public staying around the area to listen to their complaints and instructed officials to take appropriate action against the complaints.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting with senior officials and gave necessary instructions following the heavy rainfall. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam held a meeting with concerned officials and directed them to make necessary arrangements.

Anticipating the rainfall in the region, residents living around Velachery parked their cars on the Velachery flyover in an attempt to prevent any damage to their vehicles.

An advisory to fishermen has been released, telling them to not venture into the seas.

The Chief Minister has also instructed the authorities to issue an advisory to allow employees of IT companies in these districts to work from home from October 15 to 18, according to an official release.