Wed Oct 16 20:46:41 UTC 2024: ## Chennai Flooded as Heavy Rains Pummel Tamil Nadu, Depression to Intensify

**Chennai, India** – Torrential rains lashed Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, October 16, causing widespread disruptions to daily life and leaving residents wading through knee-deep water. The heavy downpour led to traffic congestion, crippled public transport services, and forced the cancellation of numerous flights and train services.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression and is expected to cross the Chennai coast on October 17 morning. The IMD has issued a heavy to very heavy rain alert for Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Chennai districts, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in some areas.

As a result, schools and colleges across the four northern districts remained closed on Wednesday. The Southern Railway announced the cancellation of several express trains due to waterlogging, while several domestic flights were also cancelled due to low passenger turnout.

The rain subsided in most parts of northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, on Wednesday, bringing relief to residents. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that free food would be served in Amma canteens in Chennai on October 17 to assist those affected by the heavy rainfall.

The depression is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the South Coast and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh, with wind speeds of 40-60 km/h expected along the coast. The Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority has advised fishermen not to venture out to sea.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru is also experiencing heavy rains, prompting the city civic body to set up 24X7 exclusive control rooms and launch a helpline for rain-related problems.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for two districts in Kerala, predicting very heavy rainfall in isolated places.

The situation is being closely monitored, and officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions and stay vigilant.

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