Diwali morning turned into a washout for Chennai residents as relentless rain lashed the city for the second day in a row, flooding roads, homes and even parts of the airport runway.
Visuals shared online showed cars half-submerged, and runways are glistening under sheets of water at Chennai International Airport. Key neighbourhood locations like Velachery, Medavakkam, Pallikaranai and Neelankarai along the East Coast Road were among the worst hit.
The heavy downpour brought traffic to a crawl across arterial roads. Commuters waded through knee-deep water while several low-lying colonies reported overflowing drains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that moderate rain with thunderstorms will continue through Monday, affecting Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, and Karaikal. The wet spell is expected to last until October 22.
Nilgiri trains cancelled after landslides
The scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) services were suspended after landslides and fallen trees blocked tracks between Kallar and Coonoor. The Southern Railway confirmed the cancellation of three trains, including the Mettupalayam–Udagamandalam routes (Train Nos. 56136, 06171, and 56137).
Heavy showers continued in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Villupuram since Sunday night. In Thoothukudi, markets stayed open despite the rain, but schools were shut after the district administration declared a holiday.
The Department of Fisheries has urged fishermen to stay ashore, warning them of about the rough sea condition. Mechanised boats and catamarans have been instructed not to venture out until further notice.
CM Stalin reviews situation
Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the flood-preparedness measures on Sunday and instructed officials to shift residents from low-lying areas to safer zones.
“The affected areas have not suffered major damage so far, but heavy rainfall is expected on October 21 and 22. Relief camps are ready, and most harvested paddy has been secured,” Stalin told ANI.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has doubled its flood-relief centres from 116 to 215, anticipating possible evacuations if rains persist. Meanwhile, the IMD said a low-pressure system forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal could intensify into a deep depression, potentially bringing heavier rainfall across Tamil Nadu’s coast later this week.
