Storm water drains fail in many areas

Residents complained that the officials had not learnt any lesson from the worst rains and consequent floods that ravaged Chennai during the last northeast monsoon. Storm water drainage system and management is still poor. 

Kotturpuram, T. Nagar, Annanagar, Velachery, Porur and many other low-lying areas reported severe waterlogging and rain water entered some houses, while water surrounded most residential areas. Still worse, residents had a tough time in wading through knee-deep water to reach their destination. 

The sudden rains soaked the unprepared pedestrians and two-wheeler riders and a few others were seen running for shelter. Water stagnated on many arterial and interior roads, and vehicles were moving slowly. They splashed water on two-wheeler riders. 

“The only difference between last monsoon’s rains and the present one is that the intensity is considerably less. If there is a deluge after another two days, people in the city will surely be marooned. It is a clear indication that the authorities have not woken up from their deep slumber and have failed to learn lessons from December’s deluge,” said R Moorthy, a resident of Velachery. He wanted the officials to pump out water as early as possible. 

Road traffic came to a standstill as rain water submerged most arterial roads in the city and motorists were seriously hampered.