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Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is grappling with severe weather conditions, characterized by relentless heavy rains causing widespread flooding across the city. The downpour, fueled by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has left numerous roads and residential areas submerged, creating significant traffic disruptions and stranding residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, signaling the potential for extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days, with some areas expected to receive up to 20 cm of precipitation.
The impact of the torrential rain is evident in the city's transportation system. Buses and local trains are experiencing delays and reroutes due to waterlogged roads, making commuting a challenging task. Power outages have also been reported in several neighborhoods as floodwaters inundate critical infrastructure. The severity of the waterlogging is underscored by the fact that over 300 locations in Chennai have reported significant flooding, with Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recording 13 cm and 10 cm of rainfall respectively on Tuesday.
In response to the escalating situation, the state government has intensified disaster relief efforts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the hardest-hit areas on Tuesday, urging residents to stay indoors for safety and reviewing drainage systems in flood-prone regions like Pattalam and the Otteri Canal. The administration has mobilized a significant contingent of emergency responders, deploying 16 teams from the State Disaster Response Force and 10 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist with rescue operations. A total of 89 boats have been deployed across the city for emergency response, and 5,147 relief camps have been set up statewide, with 300 located in Chennai.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced the mobilization of 13,000 volunteers in Chennai and 65,000 across Tamil Nadu for relief operations. To ensure public awareness and safety, precautionary alerts have been sent to 8.5 million mobile phones via a common alerting protocol, advising residents to exercise caution. In anticipation of worsening weather conditions, schools and colleges in four districts—Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu—have been closed. The government has also encouraged private offices to allow employees to work from home wherever possible. Essential services, including police, fire and rescue, and the transport of necessary goods, will continue to operate.
Travel disruptions are a significant consequence of the extreme weather. Southern Railways has canceled several express trains, including the Chennai Central-Mysuru Kaveri Express, due to waterlogging at major stations. While Metro services remain operational, safety advisories have been issued, particularly in waterlogged areas like Koyambedu, where parking restrictions have been imposed to prevent water damage. Flights have also been significantly impacted, with numerous domestic services canceled as passengers struggle to reach the airport.
Adding to the existing challenges, a cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall between Puducherry and Nellore by Thursday morning. According to Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority’s Ronanki Kurmanath, the storm is currently moving northwest at 10 km/h, located about 440 km from Chennai. Fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing out to sea, and the public is urged to take all necessary precautions.
As the rains continue, Chennai remains on high alert, with officials closely monitoring the situation. Udhayanidhi Stalin has reassured the public that all necessary measures are in place, including pumping systems to address water stagnation at over 300 locations across the city. Despite the challenges, the state government is working diligently to ensure public safety and minimize damage during this period of severe weather.