Heavy rain lashes Chennai; 22 subways reopened after waterlogging

Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Chennai on Sunday, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall over the 24 hours from Sunday afternoon, as the northeast monsoon remained vigorous over Tamil Nadu.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai also issued an orange alert for neighbouring Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts, as well as the western districts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Theni, for the same period.

A red alert indicates a forecast of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm, while an orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall exceeding 11 cm.

In its weather bulletin issued at 2.30 pm on Sunday, the RMC said rainfall had occurred at most places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal over the preceding 24 hours.

The bulletin added that Saturday’s upper-air cyclonic circulation over north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh had become less marked.

However, heavy rain lashed Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, marking the first intense spell of the northeast monsoon.

According to the weather report, Parry’s Corner in Chennai recorded the highest rainfall of 36 cm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, followed by Kathivakkam, which received 34 cm during the same period.

In a statement, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) said that despite severe weather conditions that brought more than 30 cm of rain to parts of the city, field operations, round-the-clock rescue efforts and coordination helped clear major roads and subways of waterlogging, with no casualties or major accidents reported.

The GCC said all 22 subways in Chennai had been cleared of waterlogging and safely reopened to traffic by 6 am on Sunday.

One team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and four teams of the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) were deployed to address vulnerable areas.

For public safety, nine relief centres were established, and food was distributed to residents living in low-lying areas.

The GCC said rainwater had been cleared from all major bus routes and most streets. Pumping operations in a few remaining low-lying areas were nearing completion, it added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Minister for Public Works and Youth Welfare and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna separately visited Ripon Building, the GCC headquarters, following heavy rainfall and the red alert.

During his visit, Aadhav Arjuna met NDRF and TNDRF teams deployed for rescue operations, held consultations and issued directions on rescue and relief measures.