Two fatalities reported in Chennai, as intense rainfall strikes Tamil Nadu, leading to closure of schools in 7 districts.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Flooding and Disruptions in Chennai
Chennai, India, experienced heavy rainfall on Tuesday night, resulting in several incidents of flooding and casualties. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the downpour was predicted in isolated areas over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram districts.
The IMD also warned of further heavy rainfall in these areas. On Tuesday, Chennai recorded approximately 126.1 mm rainfall from 8.30 am to 5.30 am on Wednesday.
The heavy rainfall caused traffic congestion and slow-moving cars in the city, and two metros were temporarily closed due to the weather conditions. Several localities in Chennai and its outskirts were flooded following the downpour, leading to a challenging situation for residents.
Two individuals lost their lives as a result of the heavy rainfall. One person was electrocuted, and another person died after a wall collapsed. The Tamil Nadu government declared a rain vacation for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet districts, in an attempt to ensure the safety of students and staff.
In response to the situation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held an online meeting with top authorities. During the meeting, he urged them to respond promptly to complaints and take swift action on any issues arising from the heavy rainfall.
The Chief Minister also advised authorities to ensure that essential services such as electricity, water, and transportation are maintained, and that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly.
Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall, Chennai's residents showed resilience and cooperation, helping each other to navigate the difficult conditions. The city's authorities are working hard to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of its citizens.