Chennai Rains LIVE updates: 4 dead in TN rains; IMD forecasts more downpour

The Madras High Court on Tuesday came down hard on the Greater Chennai Corporation over the inundation caused in the city due to the ongoing downpour, saying citizens "cry for water'' in the first half of the year and die "due to water" (flooding) in the latter part.

"For half of the year, we are made to cry for water (apparently due to shortage) and for another half we are made to die in water, the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P D Audikesavalu said, while entertaining a PIL petition today.

The bench was finding fault with the civic body in its efforts to prevent inundation in the city during the recent rains. It has failed in its attempts to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people due to the water-logging because of  the incessant rains. 

"What the authorities were doing for the past five years after the 2015 deluge?", the bench wondered and warned the officials that it would not hesitate to initiate (contempt) proceedings if the situation is not improved within a week.

The PIL was against the encroachments on public roads and to restore their original length and breadth. 

Many parts of the city and its suburbs are under sheets of water following the incessant rains on Sunday, causing much hardship to the residents. 

As per the Meteorological Department, thunderstorm with Moderate Rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Mayiladuthutai, Karaikal area, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Tanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Namakkal, Salem, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Puducherry, Kallakuruchi, Chengalpattu, Theni and Krishnagiri districts within next one to two hours.
 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited Amma Restaurant on Poonamallee-Mount Road, Porur, Chennai and inspected the quality of the food served there. The Amma Restaurants is to provide free food to the citizens till the incessant rain ends. 

Nov 10 & 11 declared public holidays for schools and colleges in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai districts.

Work is underway to repair the damages caused by the heavy rains.

In an exclusive conversation with Republic, CM Stalin said that his government will look into what led to a flood-like situation and will improve the drainage system, to avoid waterlogging in the major parts of the state.

In an exclusive conversation with Republic, Tamil Nadu CM Stalin held previous AIADMK governments responsible for not building required infrastructure over many years of their rule to manage heavy downpours. 

'Tamil Nadu to provide free food through Amma Canteens till the rainy season (current intense rain spell) ends,' Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced today.

Thunderstorm with Moderate Rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Villupuram, Pudukkottai, Thiruchirapalli districts of Tamilnadu and Puducherry, Karaikal within the next one or two hours, the Meteorological Department informed. 

Netizens share images of waterlogging in Chennai. 

IMD stated, "Yesterday's trough now runs from the cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal & neighbourhood to Gulf of Mannar extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level."

Amid incessant and torrential rains in Tamil Nadu, Chennai's civic body inspect waterlogging in the city and proceed with measures to drain floodwaters off city roads. 

During November 9-11, the India Meteorological Department stated that Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal will witness heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy falls. 

Amid torrential rains that compelled residents to displace to safe locations, CM MK Stalin took stock of flooding and water levels in dams in Kolathur. 

While CMO shared images of CM Stalin volunteering to aid people with meals, a netizen shared other visuals from the district. 

Chennai, Kolathur Assembly constituency, Shiva Ilango Road, Paper Mills Road junction, heavy rainwater collected by the motor of the work to remove the rainwater. CM Stalin inspected the constituency.

Madras High Court warns General Chennai Corporation of the "failure to take adequate measures to prevent inundation in the city during rains". In addition, the Madras HC questioned what competent authorities did after the 2015 Chennai floods to prevent similar calamities.  Also, The Court warns of initiating suo motu proceedings if the waterlogging situation is not brought under control. 

District Collector Thiru.T.Anbalagan inspects the water level in the Sathayar Dam in Madurai. Madurai continues to receive heavy rainfall as Tamil Nadu remains under influence of the Northeast monsoon. 

"5 deaths in Tamil Nadu due to rain. 538 huts are damaged, 4 houses are fully damaged. More damage expected if rain intensifies," Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister said to ANI

"Tamil Nadu received an average rainfall of 16.84 mm in the last 24 hours with Chengalpet district receiving the highest: KKSSR Ramachandran," he stated. 

Rainwater enters houses in Agraharam, Korattur area as Chennai receives heavy rains due to Northeast Monsoon over Tamil Nadu

Streets in Chennai's Agraharam, Korattur area are waterlogged owing to incessant rains

Former Deputy Chief Minister & AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam writes to PM Modi "to issue instructions to Ministry of Finance to release funds to the State to carry out rescue, relief & rehabilitation operations in view of heavy rainfall in the State."

"Apart from relief and rescue operations, ex gratia payments have to be made for damages..", his letter read. 

Citizens share visuals of torrential Chennai rains

The city comes to standstill as Rameswaram receives heavy downpour. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounded an 'Orange' alert with warning of isolated 'heavy to very heavy rainfall' across 14 districts namely, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthrurai, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai and Salem. 

Surplus rainwater gushed out of reservoirs while several roads here resembled swollen rivers and four persons were killed in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu and over 60 houses suffered damage, authorities here said on Monday, as the alert was sounded to people living in low-lying areas in parts of the State.

The Poondi, Cholavaram, Puzhal, Chembarmbakkam and Thervai Kandigai reservoirs here and Veeranam lake, about 230 kilometres from here released surplus water, which was cumulatively a little over 10,000 cusecs of water, as showers continued in catchment areas.

Republic Media Network’s WhatsApp number is open for those stuck in Tamil Nadu floods, if you’re stranded or in need of help, message us your location and circumstances on +91 73044 34381 and we will relay it to the authorities.

Thunderstorm with Moderate rain likely at one or two places over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Myladuthurai, Tanjavur, Tiruvarur, Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Sivagangai, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin,  Tenkasi, Theni, Virudunagar, Vellore Ranipet districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal area within next three hours, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai said.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) DG SN Pradhan said that more than 20 NDRF teams will be deployed in Tamil Nadu as the IMD has predicted more rainfall. According to MET, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Chennai on November 10 and 11.

Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu received 70 mm rainfall till 7.30 pm on Monday, according to an update by Cheyyur weather station.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner GS Bedi said that 317 locations were identified with waterlogging. But in around 140 locations water has drained completely and in 177 locations it is receding. "We have allocated 4 crore to all wards handle the situation in next 3 days, as Met Dept has predicted heavy rain," Bedi said.

Tamil Nadu government has appointed 12 IPS Officers to 12 ranges across Tamil Nadu to supervise and to take preventive measures during NE Monsoon.

Current update in Chennai City Traffic situation:

Extremely heavy rainfall is expected to occur over Tamil Nadu on November 10-11, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed on Monday. "Extremely heavy rainfall expected to occur over #TamilNadu on 10th-11th November," IMD said. 

"Widespread light to moderate rainfall is very likely over Kerala, south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu during the next five days," IMD predicted. 

"We expect the state governments to prepare for these situations as well rather than relying only on NDRF. Make a team for your state, a counterpart of SDRF. Even a PM guideline says that all the states should make an SDRF and I as a DG of NDRF is saying that whichever state comes up for this for making an SDRF of their own state we will stand with them," NDRF DG SN Pradhan said.

While inspecting the rain-affected areas in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin blessed the bride and groom.

Rains continued to lash Chennai and other regions, including northern districts of Tamil Nadu on Monday while authorities disconnected power supply here in vulnerable neighbourhoods as a precautionary measure. 

"Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh south are being affected the most. We have deployed the NDRF accordingly. More than 20 teams will be deployed in Tamil Nadu. The risk of flooding in Chennai city is also there. Whatever the state demands. NDRF will be deployed accordingly. We are preparing to avoid urban flooding which happened previously. We are looking after Chennai. We have also prepared other battalions if needed," NDRF Chief SN Pradhan said.

Nodal officers appointed in 15 zones to review the situation in Chennai. People living in low lying areas are advised to move to government shelters. More than 1 lakh needy people provided food. CM is continuously reviewing the situation: Tamil Nadu minister Ma Subramanian on heavy rains.

Republic Media Network’s WhatsApp number is open for those stuck in Tamil Nadu floods, if you’re stranded or in need of help, message us your location and circumstances on +91 73044 34381 and we will relay it to the authorities.

Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu on November 8 and 9 and heavy to very heavy rain at a few places with isolated extremely heavy falls are very likely on November 10 and 11, 2021, IMD informed.

Greater Chennai Corporation has distributed 3.36 lakh food packets in Chennai so far. 

Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BYJM) President Vinoj P Selvam stated, "Doing a Maldives in Madras. This is at Giri road, T Nagar one of the expensive areas to live in Chennai. Cars floating. Streets flooded. Power cut. Pathetic state of affairs. High time DMK starts “acting” rather than “acting

CM MK Stalin shared, "I continued rain flood surveys today in areas including Raipuram, Port, Perambur, RK Nagar; I provided relief aid. Government departments are very careful. Measures have been taken to ensure that the normal life of the people is not affected."

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin distributes relief material and food to the needy people in Royapuram and harbour areas of rain-affected Chennai city

Extremely heavy rainfall is expected to occur over Tamil Nadu between November 10th-11th. Widespread light to moderate rainfall is very likely over Kerala, south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu during the next five days: India Meteorological Department 

The sky condition is likely to be generally cloudy; Thunderstorm with moderate/ heavy rain is likely to occur in some areas of Chennai city and neighbouring areas till the next 48 hours: Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai

Two teams comprising of 44 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) pre-positioned in Madurai district, in view of heavy rainfall alert. 

On November 7, Basis Alert Issued by the IMD and the requisition of Tamil Nadu Department of Revenue, 4 NDRF Teams were deployed in Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Madurai.

"Kanchipuram District Kunrathur Municipal Officer is currently discharging water through a canal. It is also being repaired as it continues to rain and the area is waterlogged," Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority shared. 

Nodal officers appointed in 15 zones to review the situation in Chennai. People living in low lying areas advised to move to govt shelters. More than 1 lakh needy people provided food. CM is continuously reviewing the situation: Tamil Nadu minister Ma Subramanian on heavy rains

Republic’s WhatsApp number is open for those stuck in Tamil Nadu floods, if you’re stranded or in need of help, message us your location and circumstances on +91 73044 34381 and we will relay it to the authorities.

Greater Chennai Corporation released the list of common kitchens in all 15 zones in Chennai.

"Food is being prepared and supplied in the flood-affected areas" it shared.

Within 24 hrs until 8:30 am on Monday, Perambur in Chennai district recorded 14 cm of rainfall. Cheyyur and Maduranthagam of Chengalpattu district recorded 13 cm each. While Chennai's Thodaiyarpet recorded 10 cm, Ayyanavaram, Chennai Collectorate and Gummidipoondi recorded 9 cm each. 

Netizens shared, "Perambur is a swimming pool'

Kallakurichi, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruchirapalli, Ariyalur, Peramblar, Namakkal, Pudukkotai and Dindigul announced holidays for schools while Tirunnamalai, Thanjavur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Salem, Karur, Tiruppathur and Sivaganga declared holidays for both schools and colleges. 

"Schools in Puducherry and Karaikal regions to remain closed on Nov 8 and Nov 9 for students of classes 9 to 12 due to inclement weather and incessant rains": Puducherry administration 

Puducherry continues to receive heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging in some areas. Visuals from Krishna Nagar. As per IMD, Puducherry is likely to experience a generally cloudy sky with heavy rain today.

In Korattur in Ambattur Zone of Chennai Corporation, a resident shared, "This is going to end up worse than 2015 floods."

"There are about 44,50,000 power connections within the Chennai power distribution circle, of which only 12,297 have been cut off due to security concerns.," Balaji shared. 

In the wake of incessant torrential downpour in Chennai, Balaji took stock of power and electrical grids within the state's capital. 

IMD has issued an orange alert in 14 districts, including Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai and Salem districts. Alerts are issues for Puducherry and Karaikal too. 

'Traffic movement affected in Tiruchirappalli due to waterlogging as a result of heavy rainfall'

In view of the public holiday declared by the Tamil Nadu government due to torrential downpour, the Madras HC issued directives on virtual hearing of matters on the cause list. Alternative benches will be announced if judges are unable to hear urgent matters in person. Also, final hearings will be heard before the court if all parties in the case are represented. City Civil courts, Magistrate courts and Family courts in Chennai have been asked to adhere to the guidelines while Principal District Judges will decide the functioning of courts in other districts in view of weather conditions across districts of Tamil Nadu.

Visuals from a residential neighbourhood of Chennai. 

"Heavy rains for past 30 minutes in Padur Kelambakkam today morning. Still raining."

Due to the northeast monsoon, heavy rainfall is forecast in coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu from November 9-11. The water level in Coimbatore reservoirs has also risen as a result of the heavy rains. The current water level at Sholayar is 160.27 feet, while the reservoir's height is 165 feet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday and addressed the situation in the state while PM Modi assured absolute support of the Centre in the rescue and relief efforts.

"Cumulative rain over Chennai between November 1 and 8 is 415 mm. Monthly average for November is 374.4 mm. A Long Period Average over the Bay Of Bengal will intensify in depression and move towards Tamil Nadu. Heavy to very heavy rain is possible on November 10 and 11. 

Greater Chennai Corporation released toll-free number '1913' to report Chennai heavy downpour related queries and grievances. Corporation has provided WhatsApp contact number 9445477205. 

Landline numbers to reach authorities as provided: 044 25619207, 044 25619208

As per India Meteorological Department, Coimbatore is likely to experience a generally cloudy sky with heavy rain today.

"Breakfast is being served to the flood-affected people under the supervision of officials from 15 zones" Corporation shared. 

Tamil Nadu's Commissioner for Welfare of Differently Abled issued a flood warning for people living in low-lying downstream areas near the Adyar river. 

"Differently-abled people are requested to take your assistive devices along with your documents and medicines when evacuating."

During the next 24 hours, heavy to very heavy spells are possible for over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu coast. According to IMD, heavy rainfall is expected in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu from November 9 to November 11 due to the northeast monsoon. While Coimbatore is likely to experience a generally cloudy sky with heavy rain. In Chennai, following heavy rainfall, waterlogging was observed in parts of Chennai, further obstructing the movement.

As of November 7, a low-pressure area was over East Central and adjoining the Southeast Arabian Sea which became well marked by Sunday evening and intensified into a depression in subsequent 24 hours. Earlier, this was expected to move in the West-Northwest direction away from the Indian coast. While an associated cyclonic circulation was extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

A trough from the cyclonic circulation associated with a low-pressure area has extended up to the Northeast Arabian Sea off the South Gujarat coast. While a cyclonic circulation was over West Central Bay of Bengal off Andhra Pradesh Coast extending up to 5.8 km above sea level, the IMD stated.

Schools and colleges will remain closed today due to heavy rain in the Sivaganga district: Sivaganga District Collector Madhusudhanan Reddy

Tamil Nadu: Water logging in parts of Chennai, following heavy rainfall here, affects normal life in the city. Visuals from Korattur area in the city. Heavy rainfall is expected in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu from 9-11th Nov due to northeast monsoon, as per IMD. 

Sounding a preliminary flood alert, the state water resources authorities advised district collectors of Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur to evacuate people living in low-lying areas. The locals here are being moved to safe locations. Meanwhile, Chembarambakkam and Puzhal reservoirs, which serve as important sources of drinking water to Chennai city were opened in order to clear the rainwater surplus.  

In December 2015, Chennai in Tamil Nadu was on the receiving end of incessant rainfall, which in turn caused the city and its suburbs to flood. The drowning city witnessed its citizens come together to rescue people stranded in their homes as the water levels rose to alarming levels. Resultant from heavy rainfall generated by the annual northeast monsoon, more than 400 people were killed and over 18 lakh individuals were displaced during the 2015 Chennai floods.