Wed Oct 16 18:16:27 UTC 2024: ## Chennai Flooded as Heavy Rains Cause Havoc Across Tamil Nadu
Chennai and surrounding areas in Tamil Nadu were brought to a standstill on Tuesday, October 16, as heavy rains caused widespread flooding and disruption to daily life. Knee-deep water inundated residential neighbourhoods and roads, leading to severe traffic congestion and crippling public transportation services.
Several domestic flights were cancelled due to low passenger turnout, and the Southern Railway announced the cancellation of four express trains due to waterlogging. Many other trains were diverted or stopped ahead of Chennai Central railway station.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the heavy rainfall to a well-marked low-pressure area that intensified into a depression and was predicted to cross the Chennai coast on October 17 morning.
To address the situation, the Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in four northern districts, including Chennai, on October 16. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced free food would be served in Amma canteens in Chennai on October 17 to help those affected by the floods.
By Wednesday, October 17, rains subsided in most parts of northern Tamil Nadu, providing relief to residents. Traffic returned to normal, and public transport services resumed operations.
The heavy rainfall, however, also triggered an orange alert in two districts of Kerala, with the IMD predicting very heavy rainfall in isolated places. Bengaluru, too, faced heavy rains and water seepage into homes, offices, and malls.
Despite the easing rains, authorities remained on high alert as the depression in the Bay of Bengal, now a cyclonic storm, moved towards the Tamil Nadu coast. The IMD reported that the storm is expected to make landfall between Puducherry and Nellore by early morning on October 17, bringing more heavy rainfall to the region.
First Piper 