OutFocus: Chennai Rains

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NORTH – EAST MONSOON -2015

Every year during November , there occurs northeast monsoon. But this year, if we had expected a drought, we were in for a big surprise.

It rains all day long, without a pause. This year the delta region and Chennai, the capital city faced the trouble.

1000 people have been made to migrate from danger places to the safer places in Northern parts of Chennai due to flood. Flights have been delayed due to heavy rains in Chennai. Several low lying areas in the city have been floating in the flood. Stagnant water has been reported from almost all the parts of the city. People have been compelled to stop driving vehicles and remain safe in their homes.

ROAD CONDITIONS:

Traffic jams had been created in various parts of the city for even the slightest of stagnant water. The potholes in the main stream of road is covered with water hence the vehicles move at a snail’s pace. Old jail road has been damaged a lot due heavy rainfall.

Residents of Vadapalani, Valarasaravakkam and Virugambakkam had to avoid the Arcot road, since the traffic there is a stand still for over two hours. It is the tough for the people in those regions.

Areas in Madipakkam, Velacherry, Adayar, Korattur, Villivakkam, Maduravoyal, Arumbakkam, Sholinganallur, Perungudi, Kilapauk, T.Nagar  have reported persistent water stagnation.

In Chennai locality, 265 areas are covered with water , among that 133 areas remains a challenge for rescuing.

The Chennai corporation has deployed 21, 500 workers for rescuing purposes in 426 Sq km. of the city , where the water has been covered.

College campuses like Sathyabama also been submerged in heavy rainfall so the Chennai government has declared 1 week holiday for all colleges, schools and even for some offices.

Two boats have been brought in Ambattur as officials fear that Chembarambakkam lake may be breached. 75,600 food packets have been distributed to the victims for breakfast, lunch in various parts of Chennai. Power cut also forms a major problem.

DAMAGES IN OTHER DISTRICTS:

Five major tanks such as Manodai, Andiodai , Vettakudi, Kandirathirtham and Sukkiran in Ariyallur district will be filled shortly if the rainfall had continued.

In Nagapatinam district , the houses were marooned. More than 120 families suffered at Vandal and Kundooranveli villages near Vedaranyam. The corporation officials are making arrangements to safeguard them and due to heavy rain there is a power cut in the region for over 3 days and officials are making alternative arrangements.

Paddy fields were submerged in delta regions and hence there is a great loss for farmers.

Sadly, the death toll from one week of rain had reached 79. Compare that with 129 from the Paris attack.

UPCOMING WEATHER:

Heavy to very heavy rainfall would occur at a few places over Tamil Nadu and Puduchery. Heavy rain would occur at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh and there is a chance of decreasing rainfall over Tamil Nadu, since the wind has lost its strength. Latest speculation that another low pressure area might be gaining strength and might result in heavy downpour from Saturday on have been dismissed and occasional rain would be present in some areas of Tamil Nadu. One can only speculate the amount of loss that would result in a disaster struck again.

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Article by Aakash S, intern.