Chennai rain preparedness measures have been intensified after a spell of exceptionally heavy rain caused waterlogging at 35 locations, disrupted traffic and prompted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to direct government departments to coordinate their response to further extreme rainfall.
The Chief Minister reviewed the Greater Chennai Corporation’s northeast monsoon preparedness work at Ripon Building in Chennai, along with ministers and senior officials. He also inspected the city’s Integrated Command and Control Centre, where officials presented rainfall data, monitoring arrangements at subways, canals and river mouths, and complaints received from residents.
According to the report, Chennai recorded unusually heavy rainfall over a short period on October 17. Parrys Corner received 36 cm, Kathivakkam recorded 34 cm, while Manali and Ennore each recorded 21 cm. The intense rainfall resulted in waterlogging at 35 locations. Corporation teams used motor pumps to remove accumulated water from affected areas.
Officials also reported that fallen trees blocked roads at 22 locations. These were removed and traffic movement was restored. Waterlogging in 22 subways was cleared promptly, allowing traffic to return to normal by the following morning, according to the report.
The city administration has established 227 temporary relief centres in low-lying areas vulnerable to rainwater accumulation. Food was distributed to 13,500 people in areas affected by waterlogging. The arrangements are intended to provide shelter and basic support to residents if heavy rain causes prolonged disruption or requires evacuation.
During the review, the Chief Minister asked officials to act quickly on complaints received through the command centre. He also praised Corporation officials and personnel from various departments who worked during the heavy rain. The review covered field monitoring, emergency response and coordination among civic, police, electricity and other government agencies.
The direction came after an alert for very heavy rainfall. The Chief Minister instructed all departments to work together on precautionary measures and response operations. The emphasis on coordination places the command centre at the centre of the city’s immediate monsoon response, linking public complaints with action by field teams.
The meeting was attended by ministers Aadhav Arjuna, Arunraj, Sengottaiyan, Venkataramanan, Rajmohan, Ramesh and Kumar; Chief Secretary Saikumar; Electricity Board Chairman Rajesh Lakhani; Municipal Administration Department Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi; Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar; Chennai Police Commissioner Amalraj; and Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Sameeran, among other officials.
