Chennai and nearby districts in Tamil Nadu were hit by severe rains over the past few days, triggered by a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. The downpour led to widespread waterlogging, disrupted transport, and forced the cancellation of bus services, express trains, and several flights. Streets in Chennai were flooded, causing major inconveniences to residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for several districts, including Chennai, Vellore, and Ranipet, warning of heavy rainfall. The depression over the Bay of Bengal, expected to make landfall near Chennai between Puducherry and Nellore on October 17, prompted additional alerts for southern Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
As of October 17, 2024, Chennai is gradually returning to normalcy. The IMD has withdrawn its red alert, and schools and colleges have reopened. Most waterlogged areas have been cleared, although a few low-lying spots are still being drained. Flight operations have resumed, and the city’s transportation system is getting back on track.
In the wake of the rains, reservoirs around Chennai have received significant inflows. The Poondi reservoir, one of the city’s main water sources, saw an inflow of 800 cusecs, increasing its storage. The Red Hills reservoir and Chembarambakkam reservoir also recorded notable increases in water levels due to the rainfall.
Relief efforts are in full swing, with the Tamil Nadu government working alongside private entities like Garuda Aerospace to deliver food and essential supplies to those affected by the floods. Drones are being used for aerial surveys and to distribute aid to residents in hard-hit areas.
The situation is improving, but authorities remain vigilant as the depression is expected to make landfall, potentially bringing more rainfall in the coming hours.
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