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As the festive lights of Diwali began to twinkle across Tamil Nadu, heavy rain lashed parts of Chennai and its suburbs on Sunday, triggering waterlogging in low-lying areas and slowing traffic in several neighbourhoods.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the downpour was caused by a trough of low pressure over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to coastal Tamil Nadu in the coming days. The agency has placed the city and adjoining districts under a yellow alert, urging residents to stay cautious during the festival weekend.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday reviewed the monsoon preparedness with senior officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), Revenue, and Disaster Management departments. He instructed civic authorities to ensure quick drainage of rainwater, monitor vulnerable spots round the clock, and keep relief teams ready for deployment.
“Residents must celebrate Diwali safely and remain alert to weather updates,” Stalin said, emphasizing that emergency helplines and stormwater pumping stations are fully functional.
Several parts of T. Nagar, Velachery, and Perambur reported waterlogging by evening, though the GCC said most areas were being cleared within hours. Traffic police advised commuters to avoid inundated stretches and use alternate routes where possible.
Meanwhile, the IMD forecast indicates intermittent rain through Monday, with heavier spells likely over northern coastal regions. Despite the showers, markets and streets remained abuzz with last-minute festive shoppers.
Authorities have urged citizens to refrain from bursting crackers near waterlogged areas and to ensure electrical safety as Diwali celebrations continue amid the wet weather.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like The Hindu, Times of India, DT Next, and News18 Tamil Nadu etc.) transparently.]
