The city of Chennai and nearby districts are currently facing heavy rainfall, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts indicating worsening weather conditions. Due to the anticipated onset of the northeast monsoon, the IMD has announced an orange alert for October 15, followed by a red alert for October 16, predicting extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in certain areas. This warning covers Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts, which are expected to experience severe downpours that may lead to flooding and disruptions.
In response to the forecasts, authorities have taken various precautionary measures. Schools and colleges in the affected districts have been ordered to remain closed on October 15. Furthermore, officials have urged IT companies to facilitate work-from-home arrangements to ensure the safety of employees during the stormy conditions.
Local residents are preparing for potential waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas such as Velachery, where previous floods caused significant damage. Some residents have taken precautionary steps by parking their vehicles on elevated flyovers, despite police warnings and potential fines for unauthorized parking.
The Tamil Nadu government has mobilized resources to mitigate the impact of these rains. More than 1,100 relief camps have been set up to assist those affected, with nearly 469 boats on standby for rescue operations. These camps aim to provide temporary shelter and essential supplies to families who may need to evacuate from flood-prone areas.
As the northeast monsoon sets in, the authorities have also warned of further heavy rainfall across coastal and northern Tamil Nadu in the coming days. The IMD predicts that following the monsoon’s arrival, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal, potentially triggering more intense rain showers in the region.
In anticipation of the bad weather, panic buying of groceries and essentials has already started, as people prepare for potential disruptions in transportation and services. Additionally, traffic congestion has increased as residents move their vehicles to safer locations to avoid water damage, based on past experiences with costly flood repairs.
With these measures in place, the government and weather agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Anyone living in the affected areas should avoid unnecessary travel, stay updated through official channels, and adhere to any advisories issued by local authorities.
The next few days are critical as Chennai braces for another round of intense weather, reminding the city of the vulnerabilities associated with heavy rainfall and urban flooding