Residents wade through a flooded street as they evacuate their homes in Chennai, in Tamil Nadu. (Reuters photo)
There has been little rain in Chennai today and the sun is finally out, but the water level in many of its residential areas is increasing, owing to the excess water released from the dam at Chembarambakkam.
For the residents, what is worse is that the release is being done without warning - in what is understood to be a violation of procedure.
In areas like Kotturpuram, where the waters have receded, residents are living in fear that another bout of water will be released from the dam later today.
"What worries us is most is if the worst is over or it is yet to come. The water level is increasing every hour," said a resident in Mylapur, one of the posh areas of Chennai.
"We do not know when the reservoirs are overflowing or how much water is discharged. We do not know when more water will be discharged... We have no power, no internet, or essential items," he added.
People wait on roofttops to be rescued near the banks of Adyar river.
The streets of Mylapur are flooded, the cars are half submerged and water is lapping the doorstep of most first-floor houses.
"In the morning, the water was ankle deep, now it is knee-deep," said another resident. We are getting panicky. The water is contaminated with sewage," he added.
The two rivers, Adyar and Cooum, are flowing in full spate. At their banks, huts have been submerged rendering hundreds of people homeless, trucks and buses can be seen toppled by the force of water.
Water has entered the ground floor of the high rises some way off. The homeless have moved to higher ground, their meagre belongings wrapped in bundles, waiting for rescue and rehabilitation.
Elsewhere, the locals are furious with the authorities for releasing waters from the Chembarabakkam dam without any notification.
"My husband is still in the house as he won't leave our four dogs to die," said one of the elderly residents, Rani Chadha, who stays in Defence Colony. "We are living on edge of Adyar lake. At least inform us before releasing water... now everything is lost."
On Wednesday, commissioner of Chennai corporation, Vikram Kapur, said the rivers were still at the danger level and the surplus water was being released into Chennai. "None of the drains can work with such heavy rain. If this kind of rain happens again we are in for a tough time," he had said.
The met office has said even though the rains will continue for a week, Thursday and Friday will be crucial.
Emergency Toll Free Number: 1910, State Emergency: 1070, District Emergency: 1077, Electricity:1912, Fire & Rescue: 101, Ambulance: 108, Tree fall, waterlogging - 1913, Sewage overflow - 45674567, 22200335
Helpline Numbers: Tiruvottiyur : 09445190001, Manali: 09445190002; Madhavaram: 9445190003, Ambattur: 9445190007; Tondiarpet: 9445190004, Royapuram: 9445190005; Annanagar: 9445190008, Teynampet: 9445190009, Alandur: 9445190012, Adyar: 9445190013,Perungudi: 9445190014
Flood Control Room: 28593990, 044-28410577,9445869843/47