Northern Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai, is reeling under the impact of relentless heavy rains triggered by the remnants of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah. The overnight downpour has led to severe waterlogging, significant property damage, and tragic loss of life, bringing the city and its neighbouring districts to a standstill.
Human and Economic Toll Mounts
The toll from the intense rainfall has been severe. Authorities have confirmed that four people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents. The damage to infrastructure and livelihoods is extensive, with over 1,600 huts and tenements damaged and a tragic loss of 582 heads of cattle. The agricultural sector has been hit exceptionally hard, with standing crops on a massive 2.11 lakh acres destroyed by the deluge. In response, the state government has announced a relief package of Rs 20,000 per hectare to aid distressed farmers in recovering from the devastating losses.
Chennai Submerged, Key Areas Waterlogged
Large parts of Chennai have been transformed into water bodies, causing immense hardship for residents. Major localities including Vyasarpadi, Perambur, Ashok Nagar, Velachery, T Nagar, and Saidapet witnessed knee-deep water accumulation. This has severely disrupted daily life, with people struggling to commute and traffic coming to a virtual halt. Local incidents compounded the chaos; in Chetpet, a parked car was crushed when a house wall collapsed overnight, while strong winds brought down tree branches across the city.
Weather Outlook and Relief Efforts
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system has weakened from a deep depression and is likely to further degenerate into a well-marked low-pressure area. However, heavy to very heavy rains are expected to continue in several districts, including Nilgiris, on Wednesday. Private weather blogger Pradeep John noted that cloud intensification over Tiruvallur and North Chennai indicates that rainfall in Chennai and surrounding districts cannot be ruled out as long as the system's circulation persists.
On the ground, relief and restoration work is in full swing. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the city's command centre, overseeing the massive operation. The government has deployed a force of over 22,000 personnel to clear blocked drains, remove fallen trees, and pump out water from inundated areas. Rainfall was highly uneven, with Ennore recording the highest 24-hour total at 26 cm, while Pallikaranai received 10.5 cm.
The cyclonic storm, which weakened into a deep depression on Tuesday, lingered off the Chennai coast before taking a U-turn over the Bay of Bengal. It eventually made landfall between Kalpakkam and Puducherry after moving southwestwards by midnight. As the system weakens further and moves inland, districts including Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Vellore, and Tiruvannamalai are also likely to receive rainfall. The city and its residents remain on high alert, bracing for more showers while authorities work tirelessly to drain waterlogged neighbourhoods and provide essential aid.
