Rains Fill Up Lakes, Reservoirs; Spare Chennai From Flooding

Chennai: Persistent harsh weather conditions have prevented Chennai from returning to normalcy after the Deepavali long weekend, when people went out to celebrate the festival or take a short holiday; Schools remained closed on Tuesday, although there were no signs of an impending natural disaster as many feared based on an orange alert issued for the city and many other areas.

As the Regional Meteorological Center noted that the well-marked low pressure area in the southwestern Bay of Bengal had intensified, bringing with it rains and filling lakes and reservoirs, many people preferred to stay indoors, as evidenced by the relatively empty roads in the evening hours.

Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department bulletins also predict a cyclone along with heavy rains in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, by October 24. While red alert remains for Tiruvalluvar and Ranipet districts, heavy rains are expected in nine districts, including Chennai.

Many people who went out of the city to go to Deepavali extended their leaves and postponed their return journeys, waiting for the rains to subside. Shopkeepers and those running small businesses had trouble opening their shops after Deepavali as many employees did not come to work, forcing them to start their work late.

Flooded roads and streets and empty shopping complexes offered the appearance of a holiday with few people leaving their homes, although public transportation was available as usual. Even major commercial centers have a deserted appearance.

While there were news and pictures on some social media channels that temples were flooded, a red alert was given in many districts in neighboring Kerala, and rainy weather was predicted to continue, the fear of a disaster in the city remained in the minds of the people.

The scene at the iconic Marina beach in Chennai has raised the fears of common people as the sea looks choppy as the winds are blowing stronger than on normal days.