Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Chennai has been battered by heavy rain since Saturday evening, with overnight rainfall of 35.8 cm between October 17 and 18 leaving streets flooded, vehicles submerged, and several areas waterlogged, disrupting transport and daily life.
The city recorded its heaviest rainfall since Cyclone Michaung in 2023, with North Chennai witnessing an exceptionally intense spell over a short period. With more showers in store, civic authorities have stepped up rainwater clearance operations.
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The intensity of the downpour in North Chennai has raised questions about whether the city witnessed a cloudburst. Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the possibility was being reviewed, adding that the situation would become clearer in the morning.
“Normally, during the Northeast Monsoon, the expected rainfall is 69 cm. But from 6 pm, Parrys received 35.8 cm, Thiruvottiyur 31.2 cm, Manali 25 cm and Ennore 20.2 cm,” Arjuna said while briefing on the situation to the press.
“It is being said to be a cloudburst, but we will get a confirmation later,” Arjuna said. Assuring people, he further added, “People don’t have to panic; the administration is working at its best to ensure the safety and the services.”
He also urged residents facing difficulties due to the rain to contact the civic helpline at 1913.
Meanwhile, Arjuna inspected rainwater clearance operations in Chennai’s Broadway Kuralagam Junction. He was accompanied by the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner, Dr G S Sameeran, Joint Commissioner (Works) C Saravanan, Deputy Commissioner (North) Shweta Suman, Zonal Assistant Commissioner Sathya Narayanan and other officials.
With more rain expected, authorities are continuing efforts to clear rainwater and prepare for further rainfall.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
