Flooding Affects Sections of Chennai Following Overnight Heavy Rains; Education Institutions Temporarily Closed
In the Pulianthope region of north Chennai, roads are submerged in water due to heavy rain that has been affecting the city over the past few days. This weather situation has led to challenges for residents in obtaining daily essentials, according to a local homeowner.
The Tamil Nadu state is expected to receive 35%-75% more rain during the northeast monsoon season, as per the weather forecast. As a result, 14 areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have closed schools and universities to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Rainfall holidays have been declared in educational institutions and universities in Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Vellore, Salem, Namakkal, Thiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, and Ramanathapuram districts. The regions in Tamil Nadu expected to be affected by very heavy rain include Chennai and surrounding areas, with forecasts indicating substantial monsoon rain causing flooding and disruptions. Specific rainfall amounts have not been detailed in the provided information.
To manage the situation, 60 surveillance police officers have been placed in charge of the affected areas, while 879 drain pumps have been released in low-lying regions of the city to help with drainage. The state government has set up 5,093 relief camps, including 169 in Chennai, to provide shelter for those affected by the heavy rain.
Over 2,000 relief workers, both from the central and state disaster response forces, are on standby to assist in the relief efforts. A low-pressure area remains over the Bay of Bengal, southwest off the Sri Lanka coastline, causing rain in Tamil Nadu.
Heavy rain is also predicted in Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet areas. Residents are advised to stay indoors and follow the instructions of local authorities. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
