Chennai: An unprecedented extremely heavy rainfall of over 200 mm within a span of seven hours threw life out of gear in Chennai. The sudden heavy rains as against the prediction of moderate rainfall by the India Meteorological Department on Thursday left three people dead and several others stranded on arterial roads as a result of traffic congestion.
After the downpour started to intensify, the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning to Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts.
However, within 8 PM on Thursday, many low-lying areas were marooned in the rains, several arterial roads reported traffic congestion and blockage, and an increase in water level at reservoirs and lakes were reported.
In a bulletin, the IMD said, the highest rainfall in Chennai till 11.30 PM on Thursday was recorded in MRC Nagar with the weather station reporting 214.5 mm of rainfall followed by Chennai Nungambakkam with 176 mm rainfall and Meenambakkam with 143 mm of rainfall.
The unprecedented rainfall led to mishaps and electrocution incidents that left three people dead and caused damages to buildings. Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said, “A red alert has been issued for 4 districts of Tamil Nadu -- Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur, & Chengalpet in view of heavy rainfall. Three people have died due to electrocution on Thursday.”
In another incident, a portion of the false ceiling collapsed at VR Mall in Anna Nagar. However, no one was injured in the mishap.
Around 12 AM, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin returned to Chennai from Tiruchy and inspected the rain-affected areas and reviewed the preparedness measures undertaken at the Chennai Corporation office. He also requested people to ensure a safe journey by following all the precautionary measures advised to avoid any untoward incidents during torrential rains.