Heavy rain warnings have been issued for four districts in Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu – for the next three days, starting today. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an 'Orange Alert' for two of these days, predicting extremely heavy rain. This has left residents fearful of the potential impact, especially after the recent flooding in nearby regions.
Although Chennai itself was relatively spared from the full brunt of the cyclone and heavy rain, neighboring districts have not been as fortunate. Overflowing lakes, including Pundi, Puzhal, and Semparambakkam, have led to the opening of sluice gates, causing floods in coastal villages across Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu. The flooding has disrupted farming activities, damaging agricultural land and destroying crops. The areas surrounding the Kosasthalai river in North Chennai are also experiencing severe waterlogging.
The districts’ administrations have been urged to manage the floodwaters and prepare for the incoming rainfall. With another wave of heavy rain expected, residents are struggling to recover from the initial flood damage. Further alerts suggest that today, heavy rain will persist in Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram, with Chengalpattu expected to experience very heavy rainfall. An 'Orange Alert' has been specifically issued for Chengalpattu, where rainfall exceeding 20 mm is anticipated.
