Chennai started limping back to normalcy on Wednesday, October 16, after torrential rains the previous day. By Tuesday afternoon, the city had received nearly 7 cm of rain in the previous 24 hours, causing widespread disruption.
Residents faced significant challenges, including difficulty navigating flooded streets, hidden potholes, and risks of accidents. Local businesses, especially in the Koyambedu wholesale market, struggled with unsanitary conditions due to piled-up waste.
Despite relief measures from the Chennai Corporation, the ongoing issues with drainage systems and lack of timely government assistance left many frustrated. The rains highlighted systemic problems in waste management and infrastructure.
Red alert in Chennai
The IMD issued colour-coded alerts and warnings for Tamil Nadu – the highest of these, the red alert, was issued for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts.
An orange alert was in place for Ranipet, Vellore, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Puducherry.
A yellow alert was sounded for other districts like Dharmapuri, Salem, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and beyond. Public advisories cautioned against visiting popular spots like Marina and Pattinapakkam beaches, now eerily deserted.
Flooding woes in North Chennai
In Mahameru Nagar near Padianallur, over 100 families were stranded due to floodwaters, with no government officials or local representatives visiting the area.
Knee deep waters around North Chennai. Residents struggle to walk from one spot to another
The residents, trapped in waist-deep water, are struggling to access essential supplies like food and medicine. Women and those with disabilities face significant challenges navigating the flooded streets.
Despite repeated issues with drainage systems in the area, locals report that no action has been taken to improve the situation, leaving them in precarious conditions every monsoon season.
Also Read: Monsoon woes in Andhra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu as rains throw life off balance
Frustrated by flooded streets
In Pattalam near Nainiappan street, flooding has left residents struggling to evacuate. The local temple is inundated and neighbourhood streets are submerged. It is difficult to navigate flooded streets where potholes are hidden, and local people say there is a heightened risk of accidents.
A temple submerged because of water logging
Market waste has blocked the drainage system, and the water is taking longer to recede. Shashidharan, a vegetable vendor told South First, “This is a cry for help. This is a market area, and it’s bound to get messy. Isn’t it basic sense to help us in times like this? Over and over again, we face disappointment with delays and inaction from the authorities.”
He said many residents had called the helplines, but power outages made it difficult to follow up. Manikam, a resident of Pattalam says, “This is nothing new, it is just very frustrating to deal with this every year.”
In Perambur, the Chennai Corporation is working tirelessly to clear debris and waste left behind by Tuesday’s downpour.
Wholesale market, wholesale waste
In Koyambedu wholesale market, one of the largest in the city, vegetable waste has piled up in large scale, and the whole area has become slushy. Vendors and customers grapple with the unsanitary conditions. Traders who rely on daily sales struggle to sell produce.
Vegitable and flower waste piled up at the Koyambedu market
Further north, in the Ambedkar market near Perambur, Chennai Corporation employees are working tirelessly to clear debris and waste that accumulated after Tuesday’s rain. The Corporation has set up relief efforts across the city, with particular focus on flood-prone neighborhoods.
Medical support, relief measures
The Chennai Corporation is actively providing assistance to those affected by the monsoon. At the Kodambakkam Community Centre, meals are being prepared for the displaced. On 16 October, over 4,000 people received breakfast, with plans to serve more throughout the day.
Additionally, the Corporation has set up a medical camp at Thirumangalam to provide healthcare to those sheltering in relief camps. In Tondiarpet, officials inspected food preparation at a community welfare centre. Meals are being distributed to residents impacted by rain.
Drones on standby
Drones capable of delivering up to 10kg of medicines, water, and essential supplies are on standby. These will be deployed to assist people trapped on higher floors or rooftops if flooding worsens in hard-to-reach areas. The mayor of Chennai talked about the effectiveness of drones at a press meet on Wednesday.
Amma Canteens, a lifeline for many low-income residents, will provide free food on 16 and 17 October to support the public during this period of hardship.
Proactive disaster management
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in charge, Rajeshwari told South First that the corporation works in close coordination with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to ensure proactive disaster management.
Through constant updates from the IMD, the corporation sets up real-time monitoring systems and integrates advanced technology to track rainfall patterns and flood-prone areas.
Several apps have been developed for public use, providing live information about nearby help points, emergency contact numbers, and safety protocols. These apps allow residents to access the nearest shelter or relief camp, receive real-time alerts, and report emergencies directly.
Simultaneously, a robust logistical network is maintained to manage relief operations, including the deployment of medical teams, food supplies, and rescue operations. Higher officials are immediately informed of any critical developments, enabling swift decision-making.
From tracking drainage issues to ensuring public safety, this coordinated approach helps mitigate damage, manage relief, and provide timely assistance to affected areas.
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Greater Chennai Corporation control room working towards keeping tab on high and low thresholds
Chennai metro and transportation updates
Heavy rain disrupted public transport on 15 October, but normalcy is returning.
Chennai Metro services have resumed with frequent trains:
- Green Line (Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro to St. Thomas Mount Metro) – Trains every 5 minutes
- Blue Line (Airport to Wimco Nagar Depot) – Trains every 6 minutes
- Washermanpet Metro to Arignar Alandur Metro – Trains every 3 minutes
Chennai Metro advised passengers not to park their vehicles at water-prone stations such as Koyambedu, St. Thomas Mount, and Arumbakkam to avoid damage.
Ola, Uber, and Rapido services have also resumed across the city, and bus schedules from key depots like Besant Nagar are now running on time. Normal bus operations have also resumed across most parts of the city as the rain recedes.
CM Stalin assures full-scale relief efforts
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reassured the public on Wednesday that all relief work is being carried out efficiently in areas affected by the northeast monsoon.
People residing in low-lying areas have been moved to relief camps, where they are provided food and essential supplies. Stalin emphasised that these efforts would continue until the city is fully back on its feet.
As Chennai braces for more rainfall, the city remains on high alert, with disaster response teams and relief workers ensuring that help reaches those most in need. With swift action and ongoing efforts, the city is slowly regaining its rhythm.
Once this crisis ebbs, it will be time to take stock of the situation and plan better waste management.
கனமழை குறித்த ‘அலெர்ட்’ பெறப்பட்டவுடன் அனைத்து முன்னெச்சரிக்கை நடவடிக்கைகளையும் மேற்கொண்டு, பொதுமக்களின் ஒத்துழைப்போடு எதிர்கொண்டோம்.
பெரும்பாலான இடங்களின் மழைநீர் தேங்காமல் சரிசெய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது.
முழுமையாக மழைநீர் அகற்றப்படும் வரையில் தொய்வின்றிக் களப்பணியைத் தொடர்ந்திடுவோம்!… pic.twitter.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 16, 2024
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
