Menu

Flights cancelled, schools shut, roads and homes flooded: Rain batters Tamil Nadu

A total of 931 relief centres are ready in Chennai and surrounding districts. 26 disaster rescue teams and 219 boats are ready for rescue operations across Tamil Nadu, officials said.

k. Nitika Shivani
Baskar P

Published Oct 15, 2024 | 3:32 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 15, 2024 | 3:32 PM

Waterlogged roads in Chennai

Waterlogged roads in Chennai. (Supplied)

The incessant rains in Tamil Nadu compelled the government to order the closure of schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts on Tuesday, 15 October. Flights were also canceled as runways became unusable.

The Chennai airport took to ‘x’ to announce the cancellation of flights. “Passengers be informed that flights to and from the following destinations have been cancelled due to commercial reasons by the respective airlines…” they said.


Chief Minister MK Stalin advised IT companies to allow employees in these areas to work from home until 18 October. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu for the next three days, with an orange alert issued from 14-16 October.

Also Read: When it rains, it pours woes in Bengaluru

A total of 931 relief centres are ready in Chennai and surrounding districts. 600 out of 1,500 calls received at the Chennai Corporation Control Room were promptly resolved as of 2 PM on Tuesday. 26 disaster rescue teams and 219 boats were ready for rescue operations across Tamil Nadu.

Situation on ground

Greater Chennai Corporation and Metro Water employees teamed up to clear stagnant rainwater in Perambur Jamalia using jet-trading machines. Efforts are underway to prevent further flooding in the area.

Heavy waterlogging near Egmore left police unable to manage traffic, with the situation persisting for over three hours across the city. Citizens reported that helpline numbers were unresponsive, and both firefighters and police were unable to assist.

Also Read: Four die as heavy rains lash Tamil Nadu

In Poonamallee, rainwater accumulated on the Tambaram-Maduravoyal bypass near Vanagaram has led to over two feet of stagnation, severely affecting traffic and creating hazardous conditions for motorists. Low-lying areas like Vanagaram and Porur are facing significant water-logging.

Ambulances were stranded on waterlogged roads across Chennai, struggling to navigate the flooded streets. Despite metro services running, commuters found it challenging to move due to severe water-logging.

In Chennai’s Valasaravakkam area, traffic police carried an 85-year-old woman trapped in rainwater to safety. Amidst heavy rains and waterlogging, the city’s frontline workers continue to step up for the community.

Also Read: Red alert for Chennai

Helpline numbers announced: 

Several helpline numbers have been announced for citizens across Tamil Nadu :

Chennai Corporation helplines: 1913; 

Control room numbers: 044 25619204, 044 25619206, and 044 25619207. 

District helplines issued by Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority: 

Chennai: 1913 (for rain-related complaints and rescue); control room numbers: 044-25619204, 044-25619206, 044-25619207 • 

Kancheepuram: 044-27237107; WhatsApp: 8056221077 

Chengalpattu: 1077; District office: 044-27427412, 044-27427414; WhatsApp:9944272345 

Nagapattinam: Control room: 04365-1077; Toll-free: 1800-233-4233 

Villupuram: 04146-223265

Thanjavur: 04362-2301213; WhatsApp: 93450 88997 

Ariyalur: 04329-228709; WhatsApp: 9384056231 

Tiruvallur: 044-27664177, 044-27666746

Tambaram: Toll-free: 18004254355, 18004251600; WhatsApp: 8438353355 

Kanyakumari: 1077, 04652-231077; WhatsApp: 9384056205

(Compiled by Ananya Rao)

journalist-ad