Chennai rain: City reels under severe waterlogging, showers to continue
Heavy rains continue to lash Chennai and surrounding regions in Tamil Nadu. Life has been thrown out of gear as the administration works on a "war footing". Traffic stood still and air and rail movement was disrupted as several areas battled severe water-logging. Fishermen haven't been able to venture into the sea since days. Yesterday in Kodungaiyur, two girls were electrocuted by a wire.
Schools, colleges shut down, flights delayed or cancelled
The rains have severely disrupted daily life. Schools and colleges have remained shut since October 31. Examinations of Anna University and Ambedkar Law University have been postponed. Several trains and flights were delayed or cancelled. Some IT companies allowed employees to work from home. The government has urged them to declare holidays. Power supply was suspended in various localities of Chennai.
Over 100 shelters set up across the state
The government said it has set up 115 multi-purpose shelters in coastal districts. A group of three bureaucrats and a minister has been sent to each district to supervise rescue operations. In Chennai, each zone is being monitored by two ministers. More suction pumps are being added to clear the waterlogging. CM Edappadi Palanisamy visited RK Nagar and interacted with the affected locals.
Helplines for the State Disaster Management Authority
Outpour of support on social media
Amid the crisis, many reached out on social media with offers of support. Actor Chandran said, "Any1 stuck around Thiruvanmiyur pls DM me..any ladies returning back 4m work who needs shelter..u ve a family dat wil tc of u." "If u r out thre with a vehicle,you b safe n Plz offer LIFT to people who r stranded on roads," said RJ Balaji.
Heavy showers likely to continue for now
Earlier, area cyclone warning centre director S Balachandran had said rainfall would be triggered by an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lanka coast. Weathermen have predicted heavy to very heavy showers till November 4. It is expected to remain cloudy in and around Chennai. The maximum/minimum temperature will range between 30 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius.
