Chennai Rains: Heavy rains wrecked havoc in Tamil Nadu's Chennai as the northeast monsoon intensified. The overnight downpour from Saturday to Sunday morning triggered severe waterlogging and traffic congestion in various parts of the city, particularly in North Chennai, making it difficult for commuters to travel.

Several areas received between 6 cm and 10 cm of rain in under an hour. Videos shared by news agencies ANI and PTI showed streets and residential neighbourhoods under water. Residents also posted their own clips on X, voicing frustration over the waterlogging. Another video captured heavy rain at Chennai airport, with some water pooling on the aircraft ramp.

Chennai Steps Up Rain Preparedness

After the flooding, civic authorities ramped up their response. More than 15,000 sanitation and civic workers were sent out overnight to clear blocked roads, drain stagnant water and respond to public complaints.

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The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force also put 100 personnel on the ground as a precaution. National and state disaster response teams are on standby in case the situation gets worse.

Northeast Monsoon Brings Heavy Showers

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the northeast monsoon set in over Tamil Nadu on October 17. This seasonal monsoon usually runs from October to December and accounts for a large part of the state’s yearly rainfall.

The current heavy rain has been driven by a cyclonic circulation over north Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh, along with a trough stretching from Lakshadweep towards the southwest Bay of Bengal.

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More Rain Expected Across Tamil Nadu

The IMD has issued a yellow alert until October 23, warning of very heavy rainfall in several places through October 21. A yellow alert means rainfall of 6 cm to 11 cm is possible.

Rain is likely to continue across Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and several other districts.

Authorities have asked residents to stay careful, as more rain could make waterlogging worse and lead to traffic delays, especially in low-lying areas.