As Diwali festivities kicked off across Tamil Nadu, heavy rain lashed several parts of Chennai on Monday, disrupting early celebrations and causing waterlogging in multiple areas. Localities such as Velachery, Medavakkam, Pallikaranai, and ECR Neelankarai witnessed intense downpours, leading to traffic congestion and flooding on key roads.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected to continue across several districts over the next 48 hours. The IMD further warned of a low-pressure formation over the Bay of Bengal around October 21, which may intensify into a depression or deep depression, bringing more widespread rainfall across coastal Tamil Nadu.
Districts likely to be affected include Erode, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Karaikal, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, and Nagapattinam, the IMD said in its latest update.
Meanwhile, Thoothukudi continues to face severe waterlogging after four consecutive days of heavy rainfall, severely affecting daily life and local transport. Visuals from the city showed submerged streets, stranded vehicles, and residents wading through knee-deep water as authorities stepped up rescue and relief operations.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting with District Collectors via video conference from the State Emergency Operations Centre in Chennai on Sunday to assess the monsoon preparedness and rain-related damage. He instructed officials to evacuate residents from low-lying and coastal regions, ensure uninterrupted power and water supply, and deploy disaster response teams in vulnerable zones.
The Chief Minister also emphasized coordination between the Revenue, Public Works, and Disaster Management Departments to address emergencies swiftly. “Our priority is the safety of people living in flood-prone areas. All precautionary measures must be taken to prevent any loss of life or property,” Stalin said.
With the Northeast Monsoon expected to strengthen over the coming week, authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors during heavy rain spells, avoid flooded areas, and follow official weather advisories.
As festive lights illuminate homes across Tamil Nadu, the skies over Chennai remain dark and heavy a reminder of nature’s unpredictable timing even amidst celebration.
