Chennai reels under heavy rains: 12 flights cancelled; public transportation hit; fresh red alert for Oct 16,17

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for nine districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, forecasting very heavy rainfall across Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and southern interior Karnataka, while an orange alert has also been declared for these regions.

Chennai has faced significant disruption as heavy rains led to flight cancellations and halted public transportation. The downpours, triggered by a low-pressure area over the southern Bay of Bengal, resulted in flooding across parts of Chennai and its surrounding districts, coinciding with the announcement of the Northeast Monsoon’s arrival.

Normal life in the city was severely affected as persistent rain inundated low-lying areas. The initial rains of the season highlighted the city’s inadequate infrastructure planning. Chennai’s lack of pedestrian-friendly design and the oversight of public welfare in major development projects became painfully evident. Major roads were submerged, exposing a deficient drainage system, with the burden falling on ordinary citizens.

Assurances from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his deputy, Udhayanidhi Stalin, regarding flood mitigation measures proved ineffective as the situation deteriorated. Many residents lost their daily income due to the adverse weather. Auto driver Abdul Khadar expressed the difficulties posed by the flooding, remarking, “Heading home is the wisest move to make under this weather,” noting the challenges of navigating the rain-soaked roads.

During the morning rush, only a handful of autorickshaws, private vehicles, and buses were seen operating on routes like Vadapalani to Koyambedu, with some commuters forced to wade through hip-deep water between Arambakkam and Koyambedu. Emergency services deployed boats to evacuate residents from flooded homes in areas such as AGS Colony in Velachery.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued additional red alerts for the districts of Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram for October 16 and 17.

Flight Cancellations and Delays

The heavy rains have caused significant disruptions at Chennai Airport, resulting in the cancellation of 12 flights and delays to around 23 others due to poor weather conditions, late arrivals, and reduced visibility. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines regarding their flight schedules before heading to the airport.

Flights canceled include Scoot Airlines from Singapore to Chennai and various Indigo flights from Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, New Delhi, and Visakhapatnam. Similarly, flights operated by Oman Air were affected, with cancellations primarily attributed to operational and commercial reasons.

Delays also impacted arrivals and departures, with some flights, like Indigo from Mumbai, delayed by nearly two hours. The government has declared October 16 a holiday for educational institutions and government offices, except for essential services, while private offices are encouraged to minimize staff presence or allow remote work.

Rainfall Statistics

Between October 1 and 14, Tamil Nadu received 10.52 cm of rain, exceeding the average for this period by 68%. The state experienced an average rainfall of 2.241 cm in the last 24 hours, with Chennai alone receiving 6.5 cm. Notably, Gudumiyanmalai in Pudukottai district recorded the highest rainfall of 13.4 cm.

As of 3 PM on October 15, the Greater Chennai Police reported 51 roads were waterlogged, causing traffic to crawl. Six subways were closed due to flooding, and vehicle diversions were implemented in several localities.

List of Waterlogged Roads:

1. Thana Street
2. EVR Salai Everest Building
3. Under Gurusamy Bridge
4. PS Sivasamy Salai
5. Chamiers Road
6. Udupi Point
7. Wellington to Dams Road
8. Independence Day Park to Nagas
9. Tank Bunk Road
10. Sterling Road
11. Periyar Pathai to Nerkundaram Pathai
12. Vadapalani
13. Taj Wellington OMR
14. Neelankarai Jn to Neelankarai PS
15. Broadway Jn
16. Prakasam Salai
17. Hyeth Mahal
18. Mannadi Metro
19. Blue Star
20. Chinthamani
21. Iyappan Koil
22. Nerkundram towards Rail Nagar
23. HP Petrol Bunk near 200mt road
24. Mettukulam Fire Station
25. Pattulas Road
26. Paul Wells Road
27. Padaivettu Ammankoil Street
28. West Mada Street
29. Ilaya Perumal Salai
30. Madhavaram Roundtana
31. MMDA
32. Billroth Hospital
33. Shanthi Colony
34. Anna Nagar 6th Avenue
35. K10 Market
36. Kaliyamman Road
37. Moogambigai
38. Rajamangalam
39. SS Royal Mall
40. 13th Main Road
41. Thirumangalam 2nd Avenue
42. Jesus Calls Vanagaram
43. Market Junction Vanagaram
44. Odama Junction
45. Pulianthope AC Road
46. Stephen Road
47. Ganesapuram
48. Stephens Lane
49. Sidco Nagar
50. Thiruvalluvar Road
51. Alagappa Road
52. EVR
53. Anna Road to MGR Road

Subways Closed Due to Water Logging:

1. Perambur Railway Subway
2. Madley Subway
3. Gengu Reddy
4. Rangarajapuram Subway
5. Villivakkam
6. Surapattu Underpass

Vehicle Diversion Routes:

• Madley Subway – Vehicles diverted towards Kannamapet.
• Perambur Subway – Murasoli Maran Bridge.
• Independence Day Park to Nagas – Vehicles coming from Valluvar Kottam Junction redirected via Tank Bund Road to reach Loyola College.
• Periyar Pathai to Nerkundram Pathai, Vadapalani – Vehicles diverted in Vadapalani, Koyambedu.

Additionally, the city administration announced fines for parking vehicles on flyovers to prevent them from flooding, as many cars were seen parked on flyovers when the rains began on the night of October 14.