The low-pressure that brought Tamil Nadu to a standstill with heavy rain has strengthened into a depression.
Published Oct 15, 2024 | 7:12 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 15, 2024 | 10:14 PM
Officials visit people staying at relief centres
As IMD has predicted the low-pressure area to bring extremely heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, 16 October has been declared a public holiday.
At least 13 flights from Chennai and several trains have been cancelled while others have been rerouted. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea.
Authorities have issued helpline numbers that anyone can contact in case of an emergency.
Greater Chennai Corporation officials are making sure that people in the Thousand Lights area get food three times a day via community kitchens.
#Chennai: In the Thousand Lights constituency, the people most affected by natural disasters are the poor and underprivileged. @chennaicorp officials are ensuring three meals a day for those affected through a community kitchen. Additionally, they are taking measures to reduce… pic.twitter.com/yF1oAujQ9U
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Officials are also taking measures to reduce water levels in urban residential areas by using motor pumps, and they are closely monitoring water levels in the Mambalam canal.
Dear #Chennaiites,
Monitoring Officer of Zone 6 Pa Ganesan IAS, inspected the 100 HP motor operated at Zone 6, Division 64.#ChennaiRains2024#ChennaiRains#ChennaiCorporation#HereToServe#NorthEastMonsoon #Rains#RainAlert #ChennaiRainsUpdate⁰#சென்னைமழை2024 pic.twitter.com/K8wo6olsCB
— Greater Chennai Corporation (@chennaicorp) October 15, 2024
Officials are taking measures to reduce water levels in urban residential areas by using motor pumps. They are also closely monitoring water levels in the Mambalam canal.
Dear #Chennaiites,
Monitoring Officer of Zone 6 Pa Ganesan IAS, inspected the 100 HP motor operated at Zone 6, Division 64.#ChennaiRains2024#ChennaiRains#ChennaiCorporation#HereToServe#NorthEastMonsoon #Rains#RainAlert #ChennaiRainsUpdate⁰#சென்னைமழை2024 pic.twitter.com/K8wo6olsCB
— Greater Chennai Corporation (@chennaicorp) October 15, 2024
As Chennai continues to witness heavy downpours, routes of some buses operated by the Municipal Transport Corporation have been temporarily changed.
பயணிகள் கவனத்திற்கு!
சென்னையின் பல்வேறு பகுதிகளில் மழை பெய்து வருவதால் மாநகர போக்குவரத்து கழகம் சார்பாக இயக்கப்படும் சில பேருந்துகளின் வழித்தடங்களில் தற்காலிகமாக மாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது.👇#MTCChennai | #MTC4Chennai | #MTCBus | #ChennaiBus | #ChennaiRains |… pic.twitter.com/6oI7i0S3bj
— MTC Chennai (@MtcChennai) October 15, 2024
Tamil Nadu government has announced several helpline numbers for its citizens affected by the heavy rains.
Whether it is to file a complaint or seek relief or rescue operations, anyone in any district can reach out to the below-mentioned numbers.
Several helpline numbers have been announced for citizens across #TamilNadu affected by the ongoing rains. #Chennai Corporation helplines and district-specific numbers are available to provide support for rain-related complaints and rescue operations.
Catch live updates on… pic.twitter.com/xS6G162dNg
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Due to waterlogging in several tracks, Southern Railways has announced that a few trains will be diverted while others will be short-terminated. This includes both the local trains and inter and intra-state trains.
Earlier, the railways had also announced that several other trains departing from Chennai will be cancelled.
Madras High Court will be closed on Wednesday, 16 October amid IMD's warning about extremely heavy rainfall in Chennai.
The High Court campus was waterlogged from the heavy rain several hours ago.
On behalf of the @tvkvijayhq Party, dedicated volunteers went door-to-door in Villivakam, #Chennai, serving lunch to those affected by the recent rains.
Catch live updates on #TamilNaduRain here: https://t.co/NuUvreZSXb pic.twitter.com/ovrNwJrNEc
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Subways at Ganeshapuram, Perambur High Road, Madley and Rangarajapuram among others have been closed to the public due to waterlogging. Here's the list:
Dear #Chennaiites
Please check out the subways that are closed for traffic due to water logging:
Ganeshapuram Subway
Perambur High Road Subway
Madley Subway
Rangarajapuram 2Wheeler Subway#ChennaiRains#ChennaiRain#ChennaiCorporation#HereToServe#ChennaiRainsUpdate pic.twitter.com/YBi3eFkCec— Greater Chennai Corporation (@chennaicorp) October 15, 2024
An upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal has formed a low-pressure area off south coastal Andhra Pradesh. This lay over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast said a press release by IMD.
Under its influence, isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Tamil Nadu on 16 October.
Given the situation, the Tamil Nadu government has declared Wednesday, 16 October as a public holiday.
Got rain-related visuals of #Bengaluru, #Chennai, or #Hyderabad? We want to see the weather around you!
Send us your photos and videos to 8341082462, and we’ll give you a shout-out by tagging you on @TheSouthfirst.
Special thanks to @janetjo02887663 for sharing visuals from… pic.twitter.com/AX7cbiOoK3
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
An official with the Greater Chennai Corporation paid a visit to people who have been provided shelter at the relief camp in Chennai Middle School.
Visiting the school at Sholinganallur, the official enquired people there about the facilities provided to them.
An official from the @chennaicorp visited the relief camp at #Chennai Middle School in Sholinganallur to check on the residents sheltered there.
They inquired about the facilities provided and ensured that the needs of those affected by the rains were being met.
Stay informed… pic.twitter.com/gQiwdjGCFH
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
As heavy rain continues to lash Chennai, the Southern Railways has announced that a few trains from and to Chennai have been cancelled "due to waterlogging over Bridge No.114 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi Railway Stations."
Here's the list of trains cancelled:
The Following Trains are fully cancelled due to heavy rain and consequent water logging over Bridge No.114 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi Railway Stations #SouthernRailway pic.twitter.com/yo1jIoVwqP
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) October 15, 2024
In Chennai, the main road to St Thomas Mount Metro Station is still waterlogged, with access to the station being cut off.
The authorities in a release requested the passengers to use the foot-over bridge in St Thomas Suburban railway station for interchanging purposes.
Passengers travelling by road are advised to utilize Arignar Anna Alandur Station for their journey.
Koyambedu Metro station too is inaccessible through road as the B-Road and Koyambedu are waterlogged. The passengers are requested to access the Metro Station through a foot-over bridge from Poonamallee High Road, Landmark – Rohini Theatre side.
Meanwhile, at the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro Station, the park side entry escalator is switched off in B1 entrance for safety purposes. Passengers are advised to exercise care while using the staircase at all Metro Stations.
The authorities further advised the passengers to not halt their vehicles at Koyambedu Metro, St.Thomas Mount and Arumbakkam Metro station and parking lots prone to water stagnation from 15 to 17 October.
In case of any assistance – 1800 425 1515, Women Helpline - 155370
According to the IMD report released at 4:00 PM, apart from Chennai, districts like Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur are likely to experience moderate thunderstorm and lightning with heavy rain till 7:00 PM.
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.
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. pic.twitter.com/4DeOr8g9UW
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Shop owners in Velachery are finding it difficult to deal with the inundation. Many shopkeepers also live in the same area. With no proper drainage system, sewage water is now mixed with rain water, flooding the whole area. There is no help from the authorities, with no police in sight within a 200-meter radius.
In Taramani, the rainwater has entered the houses, as more than ten streets have been heavily inundated. The residents are now trying to clear the water with the help of buckets.
The lake near the Holiday Inn has started to fill up due to the torrential rains. The Royapettah area is heavily inundated, with the rainwater filling up the ground and first floors of the apartments and malls in the area.
A total of 931 relief centres are operational in Chennai and surrounding districts, ready to assist those in need. The Chennai Corporation Control Room has successfully resolved 600 out of 1,500 calls received.
In addition, 26 disaster rescue teams and 219 boats are on standby for rescue operations across TamilNadu. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the State Emergency Operation Center in Ezhilakam to assess the situation.
A total of 931 relief centres are operational in #Chennai and surrounding districts, ready to assist those in need. The Chennai Corporation Control Room has successfully resolved 600 out of 1,500 calls received.
In addition, 26 disaster rescue teams and 219 boats are on standby… pic.twitter.com/e1uDIL58Mk
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Rangaswamy, a resident of Chennai has informed that his children were stuck in school, as the school authorities declared only a half-day holiday. While he has now somehow got help, he complains that there has been no coordination.
The TIDEL Park area is heavily inundated, with people unable to move out of the area, and the metro also has been halted temporarily.
Greater Chennai Corporation employees and Metro Water employees are working together to remove stagnant rainwater using jet-trading machines in Perambur Jamalia area. They are also removing trees that fell due to rain in CIT Nagar, and near T Nagar in Chennai.
.@chennaicorp and Metro Water employees are teaming up to clear stagnant rainwater in Perambur Jamalia using jet-trading machines.
Efforts are underway to prevent further flooding in the area. Catch live updates on #TamilNaduRain here: https://t.co/NuUvreZSXb pic.twitter.com/0FOI7kv71h
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh urged the schools to cancel the online classes in areas affected by heavy rains.
"I request the concerned ROs and board officers to kindly call off the scheduled online classes for students. As they may face technical and other issues," he posted on X.
Considering the monsoon situation at TN, I request the concern ROs and board officers to kindly call off the scheduled online classes for students. As they may face technical and other issues.
கனமழையால் பள்ளிகளுக்கு விடுமுறை அறிவிக்கப்பட்ட மாவட்டங்களில்
மாணவர்களுக்கான இணையவழி…— Anbil Mahesh (@Anbil_Mahesh) October 15, 2024
The workers in supermarkets and other stores are also in distress as to how they will reach home in the evening, as they anticipate the situation to get worse.
While the metro trains are running, the metro workers and others noted that, despite the metro, they are unable to move from one place to another, as the roads are waterlogged.
Ambulances are unable to make their way through the waterlogged roads across the city.
Rainwater has accumulated on the Tambaram-Maduravoyal bypass road near Vanagaram. With over two feet of water stagnation, vehicles are struggling to move.
Near the bypass bridge on Vanagaram road, the waterlogging has severely affected traffic, causing distress for motorists.
Due to rainwater accumulation on the service road of the Tambaram-Maduravoyal bypass near Vanagaram, drivers are forced to travel in dangerous conditions.
In the Maduravoyal area, low-lying regions like Vanagaram and Porur are experiencing waterlogging due to heavy rains.
A family, who reached Chennai two days back, has been stuck under a highway near Tirumangalam for eight hours and is unable to get help through the helpline numbers. With only a keypad phone, one of the people stuck, says he is unable to reach the officials through social media.
In and around Egmore, people say they are unable to even reach the nearest resource centre. They further complain about the lack of information and coordination. "Where will we go, how will we know where to go, there is no information," says one person.
An old lady, who has a small shop in the area complained of the quality of food, "The food we managed to get also is bad, but we have no choice."
The route from Egmore to Golden Tower is heavily waterlogged, including areas near Government Fine Arts College. These roads are best avoided. People affected, and stuck in traffic complain there has been no help from the police. The police claim they can't do anything until the rains stop.
Near Egmore, police are unable to help ease the traffic due to waterlogging. In various parts of the city, waterlogging has been persistent for three hours. Neither firefighters nor the police are able to help. The citizens complain that the helpline numbers are not working.
Heavy waterlogging near Egmore has left police unable to manage traffic, with the situation persisting for over three hours across the city.
Citizens report that helpline numbers are unresponsive, and both firefighters and police are unable to assist.
Follow updates on… pic.twitter.com/Fji0SFDTmd
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Moderate to severe thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected until 1:00 PM in parts of Chengalpattu, Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Ranipettai, Tiruvallur, and more districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Moderate rain will affect Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and surrounding areas.
Moderate to severe thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected until 1:00 PM in parts of Chengalpattu, #Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Ranipettai, Tiruvallur, and more districts in #TamilNadu & Puducherry.
Moderate rain will affect Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and… pic.twitter.com/TrPLs36YRl
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Vegetable prices soar up to ₹400 to ₹500 per kilogram, as rains continue to batter Chennai. On Tuesday morning, officials closed the market and ordered the people to leave. However, a lot of vegetables have gone to waste as water flooded the market.
While a few city residents have stocked up the vegetables in the last couple of days, many are still struggling to find necessary food items.
Vegetables are floating in the water as rain floods #Chennai's markets.
Vendors, like Ratanavel, say the unclean conditions worsen during rains, leading to losses. 'I’ve faced losses every year, but this time, it started much earlier,' he shares.
More on #TamilNaduRain here:… pic.twitter.com/XMGiWLc0kY
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Ola, Rapido, other auto drivers, and commuters said the bookings are getting delayed due to the rains. They anticipated that the situation will get worse.
Hailing rides in #Chennai is becoming a challenge as heavy rains delay Ola, Rapido, and auto bookings. Drivers and commuters expect the situation to worsen.
Follow live updates on #TamilNaduRain here: https://t.co/NuUvreZSXb pic.twitter.com/wEnyCOg3k7
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 15, 2024
Vegetables are costing more in Chennai as thunderstorms continue to lash the city. Market prices have shot up to Rs. 200 and above for vegetables per kilogram.
The Chennai Metro service remained operational despite thunderstorms lashing the city on Tuesday.
The Metro is operating additional five schedules to cater to the passengers. The Green Line is operating at a frequency of every five minutes, while the Blue Line has trains every six minutes.
Trains are available every three minutes between Washermanpet and Arignar Anna Alandur.
Mayor Priya Ranjan said the Greater Chennai Corporation is prepared to face any eventuality arising from the retreating monsoon that has set over the southern peninsula.
An integrated command centre is operational round-the-clock, and the corporation has deployed 28,000 officials in the city. The officials are coordinating with 13,000 volunteers.
The corporation has opened community kitchens and shelters in low-lying areas, and asked people in such areas to vacate their homes and move to safety since the local body was expecting more rain in the next two days.
The civic body has drawn lessons from the 42 cm of rain received in 2023, and areas that were then inundated were being monitored. Additionally, all 22 subways and 33 canals, too, were being closely watched.
(i) If at home or work:
Preparation:
Look for darkening skies and increased wind.
If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Keep monitoring local media for updates and warning instructions.
Stay indoors and avoid travel if possible.
Close windows and doors, and secure objects outside your home (e.g. furniture, bins, etc.).
Ensure that children and animals are inside.
Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances (to isolate them from the main power supply which may
conduct a power surge during a lightning storm).
Remove tree timber or any other debris that may cause a flying accident.
Response:
Avoid taking a bath or a shower, and stay away from running water. This is because lightning can
travel along metal pipes. Keep away from doors, windows, fireplaces, stoves, bathtubs, or any other
electrical conductors.
Avoid using corded phones and other electrical equipment that can conduct lightning.
(ii) If outdoor:
Response:
Go to safe shelter immediately – avoid metal structures and constructions with metal sheeting.
Ideally, find shelter in a low-lying area and make sure that the spot chosen is not likely to flood.
Crouch down with feet together and head down to make yourself a smaller target.
Hair standing up on the back of your neck could indicate that lightning is imminent.
Do not lie flat on the ground; this will make a bigger target.
Keep away from all utility lines (phone, power, etc.), metal fences, trees, and hilltops.
Do not take shelter under trees as these conduct electricity.
Rubber-soled shoes and car tyres do not offer protection from lightning.
(iii) If travelling:
Response:
Get off bicycles, motorcycles or farm vehicles that may attract lightning.
Get to a safe shelter.
If boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible and take shelter.
During a storm, remain in your vehicle until help arrives or the storm has passed (the metal roof will
provide protection if you are not touching metal inside); windows should be up; park away from trees and power lines.
(iv) If struck by lightning:
Treatment:
Take the person who is struck by lightning to a hospital.
If possible, give basic First Aid.
People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
Check for broken bones, loss of hearing and eyesight.
A victim of a lightning strike can suffer varying degrees of burn. Check the impact point and where the electricity left the body for injury marks.
(Source: Regional Meteorological Centre, IMD, Chennai).
In view of the heavy rain forecast for Chennai, the Chennai Division of the Southern Railway has set up helplines
The numbers are 044-25330952 & 044-25330953
Passengers can contact the helpline for clarifications on train departures and arrivals.
A few places in Chennai and Thiruvallur districts are likely to receive moderate thunderstorms in the next three hours.
Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Valluvar Kottam, Egmore, Anna Nagar, Tirumangalam, Mukapper, Koyambedu, Perambur, Viyasarbadi and other places have been receiving rains since early Tuesday morning.
If snakes are spotted entering houses due to heavy rainfall in Chennai, the public is advised to contact the helpline at 044 - 22200335. Tambaram Forest Department has set up this helpline for any assistance needed in handling such incidents.
