The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a thunderstorm advisory for Chennai and 12 other districts in the next three hours on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Kanchipuram district administration announced it will increase the discharge from the Chembarambakkam Lake reservoir from 2,500 cubic feet per second (cusecs) to 6,000 cusecs by 8 am to mitigate flooding. Tamil Nadu drowing in heavy rain Torrential rainfall lashed Chennai and several other parts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, leading to widespread flooding and traffic disruptions across the state capital.The downpour intensified Wednesday evening, submerging many low-lying neighbourhoods and sparking immense congestion on Chennais roads.#WATCH | Heavy rain in Tamil Nadus Chennai as a result of a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal pic.twitter.com/gro95BI0qE— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023Rainfall throws normal life out of gear in Chennai Overnight storms also flooded railway tunnels in Chennais Perambur neighbourhood, halting trains and blocking a major highway underpass used by commuters. Residents of the Vyasarpadi area also faced mobility challenges due to waterlogging on local roads.Coastal districts have recorded some of the highest rainfall over the last 24 hours. Tiruvallur districts Avadi area saw a record 19 cm of rain, while parts of Chennai received 14-15 cm of precipitation.With more rainfall expected and flood risks heightened, officials closed schools in Chennai on Thursday. Rescue personnel in the city continue to drain waterlogged streets to facilitate relief efforts.#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Schools in Chennai remain closed due to continuous heavy downpour here. Several areas of the city face waterlogging due to incessant rainfall. pic.twitter.com/09cQjyK1uk— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2023Visuals showed bumper-to-bumper traffic crawling through the Sholinganallur area, with commutes lasting over an hour to traverse short distances. Significant waterlogging also occurred in parts of the city such as Peerkankaranai and Perungalathur.The IMD has placed the entire state on yellow alert, indicating isolated regions could see intense rain spells. The alert indicates the potential for heavy to very heavy isolated rainfall over the next few days. (With ANI inputs)
