Chennai and its surrounding neighbourhoods are grappling with severe waterlogging and disruption after being pounded by heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The intense downpour, which began in the early hours, has inundated major roads and national highways, throwing daily life out of gear and prompting immediate response from civic authorities.
Widespread Disruption Across the City
The impact of the cyclone-induced rain has been widespread across the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Key arterial roads, including those in the heart of the city, have been transformed into virtual rivers, making commuting a nightmare for residents. Reports indicate that several low-lying areas are completely submerged, with water entering homes and commercial establishments. The Chennai Municipal Corporation has deployed its disaster response teams in full force to address the situation.
National Highways 16 and 48, crucial connectors for the city, have reported significant stretches of water accumulation, slowing down vehicular movement to a crawl. Traffic snarls extending for kilometres have been reported from multiple locations, including Perambur, Vyasarpadi, and parts of the IT corridor. The police and traffic department personnel are actively managing the flow, but advise commuters to avoid non-essential travel.
Official Response and Safety Measures
In response to the escalating situation, the Tamil Nadu government has put all district administrations on high alert. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued continuous warnings, predicting more intense spells of rain over the next 24 hours as Cyclone Ditwah continues its influence. The Greater Chennai Corporation has activated all its stormwater drain pumps and control rooms are operating round-the-clock.
Authorities have issued a list of safety advisories for the public:
- Avoid venturing out near water bodies and beaches.
- Refrain from walking or driving through flooded underpasses and streets.
- Stay updated with official weather bulletins from IMD.
- Contact the civic helpline numbers for emergency assistance related to waterlogging or fallen trees.
Relief shelters have been opened in vulnerable zones to accommodate residents from severely affected areas. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on standby, equipped with boats and necessary gear for rescue operations if required. The civic body is also working to clear blocked drains and culverts to facilitate quicker water runoff.
Looking Ahead: Forecast and Precautions
While the immediate focus remains on relief and restoring normalcy, the weather outlook suggests that Chennai is not out of the woods yet. The IMD forecast indicates that the cyclonic circulation will continue to bring intermittent heavy to very heavy rainfall to coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, for the next day. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea.
The recurring nature of such intense weather events highlights the pressing need for bolstered urban infrastructure. This incident echoes previous flooding challenges faced by the city, putting the spotlight on the long-term measures required for climate resilience and sustainable drainage management. For now, citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution, follow official directives, and prioritise safety as the city weathers the storm brought by Cyclone Ditwah.
