Cyclone Mikjam Causes Unprecedented Heavy Rains in Chennai, Flooding Several Areas
Chennai has been hit hard by Cyclone Mikjam, causing unprecedented heavy rains and flooding in several parts of the city. Despite the Tamil Nadu government’s precautions, Chennai remains vulnerable to flooding and storms.
In Tambaram Corporation, more than 2000 residential areas have been surrounded by floodwater, turning the area into a flood forest. Rescuers have been working tirelessly to save children and elderly people trapped in the floodwaters by boat. Residents in Anna Nagar West have been without electricity for more than three days, while there have been protests in the western part of Anna Nagar over the lack of proper distribution of drinking water.
Due to the release of excess water from all seven lakes in the Urpakkam area, floodwater has surrounded the entire area, leaving people paralyzed in their homes. Ayanavaram-Medavakkam road is completely inundated with rainwater, causing concerns for residents who allege that they face this problem every year. Velachery is one of the most affected areas in Chennai, with over 5,000 residential areas flooded. Residents complain of a foul smell emanating from rainwater and sewage entering their houses, forcing many to leave for their hometowns.
In addition, the Chennai Adyar river has overflowed its banks due to 40,000 cubic feet of water flowing into the river from various sources. This has resulted in low-lying areas being flooded, with many houses and buildings submerged. The road leading to Myatt Hospital in Ramapuram has been temporarily closed due to chest-deep water, and motorists are facing difficulties due to waterlogging on Semmanchery OMR road.
The Durai Pakkam Pallavaram road has been cut off due to waterlogging, bringing traffic to a standstill. Meanwhile, more than 2,000 micro and small industries and factories in Ambattur Citco Industrial Estate and Ambattur Industrial Estate have been flooded to a height of more than 3 feet.
Saidapet town experienced sudden inundation, leaving people stranded inside their homes. Similar situations were reported in Maduravayal, Avadi, and Mangadu, as rainwater entered houses and required rescues by boat.
The flooding in Chennai has caused immense hardship for residents, and the National Disaster Response Team is working tirelessly to provide support and assistance to those affected by the heavy rains and flooding. As the situation continues to unfold, the government is being urged to act quickly to drain the rainwater and provide relief to the affected areas.