Chennai chokes after brief spell of rain, lightning kills 1

As rain lashed several parts of the city for over an hour from 2.30 pm, many roads were inundated making movement of vehicles difficult. Buses and cars were stranded on the arterial Anna Salai as well as EVR Salai and Kamarajar Salai.

The traffic flow on Durgabhai Deshmukh Road connection, Mylapore with Adyar through Thiru Vi Ka bridge slowed down due to water-logged roads. Immediately, the traffic police on duty including Inspector Tiruvengadam swung into action and removed the blocks in sewage water as well as storm water drains. Police sources said that Corporation blocked the drains so as to construct pavements.

Ramesh of Thoraipakkam died on the spot after being struck by lightning when he attempted to take pictures of the lightning on his phone. His body with burnt marks was sent to Ponneri hospital for post-mortem.

Dr S Balachandran, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, RMC, termed the rain activity as ‘temporary’. “It is a usual thunderstorm activity and will not continue. There is a possibility for increase in temperature again as South-West monsoon is picking up,” the expert added.

According to RMC, Nungambakkam received 27.6 mm of rainfall, while Meenambakkam recorded 21.1 mm of rain. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam observatories received maximum degree of 39.0 and 40.1 degree Celsius respectively on Wednesday.