As the northeast monsoon strengthened, heavy rains lashed destitute Chennai, leading to major waterlogging and jams in many parts of the city. The rain continued overnight into Sunday morning, leaving roads sodden and impeding movement of people, especially in North Chennai.
The first sensation of the rainstorm came to North Chennai as 6 cm-10 cm of rain fell in a span of just one hour. Several motorways became flooded with water and it was hard for residents to travel to work and for motorists due to the heavy rainfall.
Both civic organizations’ emergency preparedness was enhanced and focus was placed on draining and pumping of the water due to the flooding. Over 15,000 sanitation workers and other civic staff faced the night with the responsibility of expelling water from flooded roads throughout the city of Chennai, addressing waterlogging and treating shifts of public complaints.
Authorities also prepared for disaster due to continuation of rainfall, caused by northeast monsoon. As a precaution, 100 members of the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to support local authorities and assist in emergency operations in case the need arises.
Some more teams of SDRF were also being mobilised along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in case the situation deteriorates.
The mission of civic workers and disaster response forces is to minimize disruption and increase access to flooded roads and a faster reaction time on the ground flood reporting. The issue of waterlogging is still being considered in the denser populated areas, especially during the period of a short time when heavy rainfall occurs.
The northeast monsoon is getting stronger which is prompting authorities to work on drainage and flood-control measures as well as continue to ready and keep emergency teams ready for rain. Water levels are likely to cause commuting challenges for residents affected until they fall and the roads are cleared.