Chennai heavy rain caused severe waterlogging in parts of the city, particularly north Chennai, on October 18, but the Greater Chennai Corporation said no rain-related fatalities or major accidents had been reported. More than 15,000 personnel were deployed overnight for pumping, relief distribution and rescue operations as further rainfall was expected across the city.
Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna reviewed the response at the Integrated Command and Control Centre at Ripon Buildings at around 1.30 a.m. on Sunday, alongside Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G. S. Sameeran and Joint Commissioner (Works) S. Saravanan.
According to the Corporation, parts of Broadway and Mannadi received intense rainfall that led to water stagnation in low-lying areas. Around 20 cm of rain was recorded in an hour at some locations. Water levels had begun receding in Tiruvottiyur, Mannadi and Madhavaram after motor pumps and pump sets were deployed, but a 100-metre stretch between Broadway and Mannadi remained waterlogged to a depth of about 1.5 feet.
Rainfall recorded on Saturday was particularly intense in several parts of the city. Data shared by the Corporation’s command centre showed Parrys receiving the highest total at 363 mm, while Alandur, Adyar, Raja Annamalaipuram and Valasaravakkam also recorded heavy rainfall.
The civic body deployed 650 motor pumps and tractor-mounted pumps to remove accumulated water. One National Disaster Response Force team and four Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force teams were also deployed, with more than 100 State Disaster Response Force personnel involved in response operations. Senior officials and Ministers monitored the field-level work, the report said.
All 22 subway underpasses had been cleared and reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. on Sunday. The Corporation said water had also been removed from major bus routes and most affected streets, although pumping continued at some locations. Nine relief centres were opened and food was distributed to residents in low-lying areas.
The Minister said additional teams would remain mobilised until October 21 because more rain was expected. Residents were advised to exercise caution while travelling and to avoid stagnant water, especially near electrical equipment. The city’s response operations were continuing as authorities monitored rainfall and water levels.
