Heavy rains fill up catchment areas

Chennai received copious rains over Sunday and Monday and augmented the city’s water tanks and lakes. According to the Met department, rains will continue today although by Tuesday the sun is likely to be out. “Most districts of Tamil Nadu received very heavy rains in the last two days including Chennai,” said SB Thampi, deputy director general of Meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai. 

“Chennai received heavy rains and 20 cm rains were recorded in Ambattur. The city is likely to continue receiving rains today as well. It will taper off from tomorrow,” he added. The actual level of increase in the city’s reservoirs would be known only after the rains recede. Meanwhile on Monday morning, the threat of a cyclone disappeared after the deep depression lost its intensity and became a depression.

The early morning rains however caused immense hardship to last minute Deepavali shoppers and office goers. Over 100 trees fell across the city due to the heavy rains and strong winds, affecting normal traffic. Trees fell in Egmore, RA Puram, Kotturpuram, Royapettah and many other areas. Flooded subways in a few areas disrupted traffic. 50 vehicles were also damaged. According to officials in Metrowater, Chennai Corporation and other agencies, the concerned department officials were on high alert.

“Officials inspected the subways at GN Chetty Road, Nungambakkam and stretches of Anna Nagar and Gandhi Mandapam Road. Chennai’s elevation is such that it takes time for water to drain,” said officials