Cloudburst in Chennai? City sinks after record rain, more showers in store

Chennai has been battered by heavy rain since Saturday evening, with overnight rainfall of 35.8 cm, according to local media reports, leaving streets flooded, vehicles submerged, and several areas waterlogged, disrupting transport and daily life.

The city recorded its heaviest rainfall since Cyclone Michaung in 2023, with North Chennai witnessing an exceptionally intense spell over a short period. With more showers in store, civic authorities have stepped up rainwater clearance operations.

The intensity of the rainfall has raised questions about whether Chennai witnessed a cloudburst. Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the possibility was being reviewed, adding that authorities would be able to provide greater clarity later. He urged residents not to panic, assuring them that the administration was working round the clock to manage the situation and ensure public safety.

“Normally, during the Northeast Monsoon, the expected rainfall is 69 cm. But from 6 pm, Parrys received 35.8 cm, Thiruvottiyur 31.2 cm, Manali 25 cm and Ennore 20.2 cm,” Arjuna said while briefing the press on the situation.

“It is being said to be a cloudburst, but we will get confirmation later,” he said, adding that the administration was working to ensure residents’ safety and maintain essential services. He also urged people facing difficulties due to the rain to contact the civic helpline at 1913.

Satellite imagery indicates significant convective cloud development over north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining sea areas, associated with a cyclonic circulation over the region. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Chennai and its neighbourhood on Sunday as well, raising the possibility of further disruption as civic authorities continue rainwater clearance operations.

CHENNAI RECORDS HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS MULTIPLE STATIONS

Rainfall data for the 24 hours from 8.30 am on October 17 to 5.30 am on October 18 showed substantial rainfall across Chennai and several other parts of Tamil Nadu.

Among the official observatories, Nungambakkam in Chennai recorded 157.8 mm of rain, while Meenambakkam received 146.7 mm. Adirampattinam in Thanjavur recorded 36 mm, followed by Kodaikanal in Dindigul with 32 mm, Tondi in Ramanathapuram with 25 mm and Karaikal with 22 mm. Salem recorded 15 mm, while Puducherry received 6 mm.

Data from automatic weather stations showed even higher readings in parts of Chennai. Ennore Port recorded 222.5 mm, followed by the Chennai station at 162 mm and Meenambakkam ISRO at 126.5 mm. VIT Chennai in Chengalpattu recorded 78.5 mm, while Jaya Engineering College in Tiruvallur received 59 mm. Kallakurichi recorded 44 mm and Ranipet 42 mm.

Other stations recorded significant rainfall across the state, including 37.5 mm in Tiruvarur, 32.9 mm at Kodaikanal AWS, 31.5 mm in Mahabalipuram, 28 mm at Tirupattur Collectorate and 22 mm at Mettur in Salem district.

MINISTER INSPECTS RAINWATER CLEARANCE WORK

Meanwhile, Arjuna inspected rainwater clearance operations at Broadway Kuralagam Junction in Chennai's Royapuram Zone. He was accompanied by Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Dr G S Sameeran, Joint Commissioner (Works) C Saravanan, Deputy Commissioner (North) Shweta Suman, Zonal Assistant Commissioner Sathya Narayanan and other officials.

Separately, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel visited Ripon Building, the headquarters of the Greater Chennai Corporation, and held discussions with Sameeran on rescue and relief operations.

With heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Chennai and its neighbourhood on Sunday, civic authorities are continuing efforts to clear accumulated rainwater and prepare for further showers. Residents have been urged to contact the civic helpline if they face rain-related difficulties.

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