Chennai Drenched: Heavy Rains Disrupt Diwali Festivities

SIBY JEYYA
As chennai geared up for a sparkling diwali celebration, the skies had different plans. On Monday, heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the city and its suburbs, catching residents and officials off guard. Here's a snapshot of the situation and how the city is responding.

🏠 City Soaked: Key Areas Affected by Rain

Several prominent neighbourhoods experienced sudden and intense downpours, leading to traffic snarls and flooding. Among the worst-affected were:

· Velachery

· Medavakkam

· Pallikaranai

· ECR (East Coast Road) Neelankarai

These areas saw ankle-deep water within hours, especially in low-lying zones, disrupting diwali shopping, commuting, and pre-festival preparations.

🌊 Waterlogging Woes Return

Just as Chennaiites were stepping out for last-minute diwali shopping or temple visits, many found themselves wading through flooded streets. Photos and videos on social media showed submerged vehicles, slow-moving traffic, and frustrated commuters.

In several places, stormwater drains overflowed, indicating clogged infrastructure despite pre-monsoon desilting efforts.

🛑 Traffic Takes a Hit

Rain-affected roads led to heavy congestion, particularly along:

· Velachery Main Road

· Medavakkam–Sholinganallur stretch

· Tidel Park and OMR corridor

With roads narrowed due to water accumulation, even emergency vehicles reportedly data-faced delays.

🚨 MK stalin Steps In: Readiness Reviewed

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin held a review meeting to assess the city’s preparedness and response to the downpour. The cm instructed:

· Greater chennai Corporation (GCC) to stay on high alert

· Water pumps and emergency teams to be deployed in affected areas

· Regular monitoring of flood-prone zones through control rooms

He urged officials to ensure uninterrupted power and swift drainage, particularly in residential colonies gearing up for the diwali night celebrations.

⚠️ Caution Advised for diwali Night

With more showers predicted over the next 24–48 hours by the IMD (India Meteorological Department), residents are being urged to:

· Avoid lighting crackers in open waterlogged areas

· Keep electrical connections safe from exposure

· Follow civic advisories issued by the GCC

🪔 Spirit of diwali Unshaken

Despite the rains, the festive spirit remains alive in Chennai. Many citizens have taken to celebrating indoors with LED lights, homemade sweets, and virtual family gatherings. While the skies are grey, the city’s spirit is glowing bright.

 

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