Heavy overnight rain led to flooding in several areas of Chennai on Sunday. Nungambakkam recorded 21.5 cm of rainfall, the highest recorded in a 24-hour period since 2015.
Tamil Nadu has received a 43% surplus rainfall and Chennai registered a 26% excess since October 1.
Following rain in the catchment areas leading to heavy inflows, the State Government gradually began releasing surplus water from reservoirs around Chennai including Poondi and Chembarambakkam. From an initial 500 cusecs, the discharge from Chembarambakkam was increased to 2,000 cusecs in the evening.
With more heavy rain forecast for the city over the next 48 hours, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a two-day holiday for schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram districts. He visited flooded areas in the city and directed officials to ensure food supply for residents displaced and affected by the floods.
Four teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will be deployed in Madurai and Chengalpet, the Chief Minister said, adding that the NDRF, fire and police personnel are also engaged in rescue and relief operations in the city. He also advised those planning to return to the city after the Deepavali break to defer the trip by another two days. Relief centre details can be found here .
Watch | Chennai experiences heaviest rainfall in 5 years
In Pictures | Chennai receives heavy rainfall, waterlogging in some parts of the city
Here are the latest updates :
Modi speaks to Stalin on T.N. rain situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin following heavy rainfall in parts of the State and assured him of all possible support from the Centre in rescue and relief work.
Mr. Modi tweeted, "Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM, Thiru @mkstalin and discussed the situation in the wake of heavy rainfall in parts of the state. Assured all possible support from the Centre in rescue and relief work. I pray for everyone's well-being and safety."
Low pressure area likely to form over north T.N. by November 9
A cyclonic circulation lies over north coastal Tamil Nadu, southeast of Bay of Bengal and a low pressure area is likely to form by November 9, the Met Office said on Sunday, and has forecast widespread rainfall for at least the next three days in the State.
Under its influence, rainfall is likely in northern regions like Chennai, Villupuram, Cuddalore and in delta areas of Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts besides neighbouring Puducherry and Kariakkal on November 8.
Showers in such regions may be heavy and at isolated places, very heavy and there could be thunderstorm activity as well. Other regions, including southern Madurai, are also expected to receive rainfall, an official bulletin in Chennai said. On November 9, thunderstorm with heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Tuticorin districts.
The following day, thunderstorm with scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy showers could occur in districts of north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.
"A cyclonic circulation lies over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean extending up to 4.5 Km above mean sea level. Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood around November 9. It is likely to become more marked and move towards north Tamil Nadu coast during the subsequent 48 hrs," the bulletin said.
Discharge from Chembarambakkam increased
At 6 p.m. Tamil Nadu government has increased the discharge from Chembarambakkam reservoir from 1,000 cusecs to 2,000 cusecs
Traffic hit, transport services affected
In view of heavy rains that led to inundation in Chennai, vehicular traffic, bus and train services were hit on Sunday. There was a visible dip in state-run bus services, only fewer buses were operated in suburbs and train services were also affected.
There were traffic diversions due to water logging and uprooted trees in several locations including the arterial EVR Salai, and subways witnessed inundation upto a height of several feet.
Police said the traffic movement is slow in view of water logging and advised the people to be cautious. - PTI
Flights continue to take off and land at Chennai airport; minor delays reported
Though nearly 15 flights were delayed, arrivals and departures of flights at Chennai airport continued on Sunday despite the incessant rains in the city, sources said.
Officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, though there was some water logging in the airside (where flights are parked and departures and arrivals happen), there was no disruption. “We have a team of people deployed in the airside to monitor the water levels. We are also coordinating with Public Works Department officials.
Suburban train resumes services till Chennai Beach
Despite the heavy rains the suburban train services on all four sections functioned normally on Sunday. Even the train services between Tambaram and Chennai Beach which was stopped at Egmore for a few hours have resumed full service. The railway authorities had suspended train services till Egmore after water level in the tracks near Egmore station exceeded the danger mark.
Stalin announces two-day holiday for schools in four districts
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a two-day holiday for schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram districts due to severe rains and the forecast for more rains over the next two days. He also requested people with plans to travel to Chennai to postpone their travel by two or three days.
Kamal Haasan requests fans to extend help
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan appealed to his fans to reach out to the needy in Chennai after authorities sounded a preliminary flood alert in the Tamil Nadu capital following heavy rains.
Mr. Haasan, who turned 67 on November 7, asked his admirers to help those affected by the rains.
"Dear friends, hurry up and help the poor people who are suffering from the floods. That could be the best birthday gift you can give me," the actor, who also heads the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, tweeted in Tamil. — PTI
Southern Railways reschedules trains
Train No. 02685: Dr. MGR Chennai Central - Mangalore Express Special scheduled to leave Dr. MGR Chennai Central at 4.20 p.m. today 07.11.2021 is rescheduled to leave at 7.30 p.m. of 07.11.2021 due to late running of pairing train (3 hours and 10 minutes late).
Train No. 02967: Dr. MGR Chennai Central - Jaipur Express Special scheduled to leave Dr. MGR Chennai Central at 5.40 p.m. today 07.11.2021 is rescheduled to leave at 8.30 p.m. of 07.11.2021 due to late running of pairing train (late by 2 hours and 50 minutes).
Water flow from Chembarambakkam increased to 1,000 cusecs
Water flow from Chembarambakkam has been increased to 1,000 cusecs now. At 3 p.m., in Red Hills Lake, the discharge was further increased to 2,000 cusecs. On Sunday afternoon, the Tamil Nadu government released 500 cusecs of water from Chembarambakkam reservoir. Later, the water flow was increased to 1,000 cusecs as heavy rains continued to lash Chennai.
Suburban train services between Tambaram and Chennai Beach stopped at Egmore
Despite the heavy rains the suburban train services on all four sections functioned normally on Sunday. However train service between Tambaram and Chennai Beach was stopped at Egmore after water level in the tracks near Egmore exceeded the danger mark.
T.N. releases water from Chembarambakkam reservoir
The Tamil Nadu government released 500 cusecs of water from Chembarambakkam reservoir on Sunday afternoon. Rains continue to lash Chennai and neighbourhood from Saturday night.
Chennai Metro services continue without disruptions
Chennai Metro Rail services have been running as per schedule with a train available every ten minutes. Trains are monitored by a team of people from the Operation Control Centre throughout the day. Sources said, though many areas are flooded, they have been taking precautionary measures in both elevated and underground stations to ensure services continue without any disruptions.
Traffic closed in three subways in Chennai
A senior official of City police said the heavy rain lashing from Saturday night has resulted in the flooding of subways. To avoid motorists from taking the flooded subways the three subways including Gengu Reddy, Duraisamy and Korattur, have been closed for traffic.
DMK government should have taken preventive steps, AIADMK says
The AIADMK on November 7 said if the DMK government had taken preventive steps ahead of the monsoon, Chennai and its surrounding regions would not be seeing such damage from the rains from November 6 night.
Thunderstorm with rains to continue in Chennai for next three hours
Meteorological department has said that Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram,Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Tiruvarur districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal too will receive moderate rains with thunderstorm in the next three hours.
Moderate to heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal
Between 7 November and 9 November, many areas in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may receive light to moderate showers and some areas are likely to get heavy to very heavy rainfall: IMD
Fishermen advised to return to shore by November 9
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning for fishermen. A low pressure area is likely to form on November 9 in the south-eastern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. Fishermen in the deep sea (Bay of Bengal) are advised to return to shore by November 9, it said.
Rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours (in centimeters)
DGP Office (Chennai) 23; Chennai Nungambakkam (Chennai), Ambattur (Tiruvallur) 21; Ayanavaram (Chennai) 18; Anna University (Chennai) 16; Puhal (Tiruvallur) 15; Chennai Airport (Chennai) 11; Thiruvananthapuram (Ramanathapuram), Cholavaram (Tiruvallur), Viralimalai (Pudukottai) Thala 9. - Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority
A generally cloudy sky for the next 24 hours in Chennai
The sky will be generally cloudy for the next 24 hours. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely in a few places of the city and in a couple of places. The maximum temperature is 27 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is 24 degrees Celsius. - Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority
Thunderstorm and moderate rain expected in certain parts of the State
Thunderstorm with moderate rain may occur at one or two places over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Myladuthurai and Tiruvarur districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal in the next three hours, said the Indian Meteorological Department at 1 p.m. IST.
Gengu Reddy subway in Egmore closed for traffic on Sunday
Water to be discharged from Sembarambakkam Reservoir
500 cubic feet of water will be discharged per second from Sembarambakkam Reservoir.
NDRF teams deployed
Four teams of NDRF will be deployed to assist in rescue operations in case of emergency. One each in Chengalpet and Thiruvallur and two at Madurai. - Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority
DGP office weather station received maximum rainfall
DGP office weather station received the maximum rainfall of 23 cm, followed by Nungambakkam and Ambattur with 21 cm. Ayanavaram received 18 cm and MGR Nagar 17 cm of rainfall, Met department has said.
Tamil Nadu CM inspects flooded areas
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inspected flooded areas in Chennai. Mr. Stalin inspected flooded areas at Valluvar Nagar, Villivakkam in Chennai. He visited many areas and took stock of the situation around Chennai. Later, he distributed food packets and relief materials to residents in Kolathur MGR Nagar.
Stalin to inspect flood affected areas
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to inspect flood affected areas in Egmore, Dowton, K.N Garden, Padalam, Otteri left bridge, Padi bridge, Sathya Nagar shelter, Baba Nagar, GKM colony, Jawahar Nagar, Paper Mill Road
Fast filling Poondi Reservoir's shutters opened, Chembarambakkam lake floodgates to be opened shortly
The State government as part of precautionary measures, following heavy rains, has proposed to open the flood gates of Chembarambakkam lake located in Kancheepuram district and one of the water source for the city at 1.30 p.m. on Sunday.
The floodgates of the Poondi Reservoir was opened at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday.
The development comes in the wake of the reservoir receiving huge amount of water from the Krishnaraja Sagar dam leading to the reservoir reaching its danger level of 34.20 feet.
Chennai Metro Rail services continue as per schedule
Chennai Metro Rail services continue without any disruptions. Trains are available every 10 minutes.
Chennai Corporation opens relief centres
Chennai Corporation has opened 169 relief centres for flooded areas. Corporation helpline registered 64 complaints pertaining to inundation in residential areas.
For flood related grievances you can contact Greater Chennai Corporation at 04425619206, 04425619207 and 04425619208. You can also get in touch through Whatsapp at +91 944547205
Heaviest 24-hour rainfall since 2015 floods in Chennai
The rains that lashed the city relentlessly since Saturday night are likely to continue as thunderstorms are on the predictions for Sunday as well.
Nungambakkam has received the maximum rainfall of 21.5 cm and Chennai airport 11.3 cm at the end of a 24-hour period at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday. Since the 2015 floods, this was the highest volume of rainfall that the city has received in a 24-hour period, experts said.
As result of heavy rains, Tiruvallur Collectorate had announced that 3,000 cubic feet per second was to be opened from Poondi reservoir at 9 a.m.; also 1,000 cubic feet per second of water will be released from Puzhal Lake at 11 a.m., and 500 cubic feet per second from Chembarambakkam Lake at 1.30 p.m. respectively. Warning has been issued for those living in low lying areas to vacate their homes.
Flood alert issued in Chennai
Flood alert has been issued in Chennai as water level went up in Chembarambakkam Lake. 500 cusecs of water is set to be released at 1:30pm on Sunday, November 7. Authorities have been told to alert residents in Kundrathur, Thirumudivakkam, and Thiruneermalai.
