A waterlogged street following heavy rain at KM Garden in Purasaiwakkam, Chennai.
Incessant rain pounded several Tamil Nadu districts overnight, and continued throughout the day on Thursday, leading to widespread flooding and waterlogging across the southern state.
A 'red alert' for heavy rainfall - issued Wednesday for 20 Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai - was withdrawn Thursday evening after the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal which had concentrated into a depression (and triggered the alarm) weakened at nightfall.
Chennai airport also resumed normal operations after suspending arrivals between 1.15 pm and 6 pm on Thursday over fears of crosswinds.
Schools and colleges were closed in Chennai and other districts for a fourth straight day, and several areas in the capital remained waterlogged for a fifth straight day. Ever since Sunday, a deluge of videos have surfaced on social media showing cars and two-wheelers partially submerged and people wading through knee-deep water in many places.
Northern parts of the state, including Chennai and nearby Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Villupuram, were among the worst affected by the rainfall -- which is the heaviest in the state since the 2015 floods. At least 14 people have died in rain-related incidents this past week, a senior official told news agency ANI.
Andhra Pradesh is now prepping for heavy rains, with a wary eye on another low-pressure area likely to hit next week.
Here are Highlights on Tamil Nadu Rain:
Chennai Rain: Rain Red Alert Withdrawn For Chennai, Flight Arrivals Resume: 10 FactsA 'red alert' for heavy rainfall - issued for eight Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai - was withdrawn after the depression that triggered the alarm, and led to widespread flooding in the city and across the state, weakened at nightfall.
Rainfall activity is now likely to be concentrated over the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.
Chennai airport also resumed normal operations after suspending arrivals between 1.15 pm and 6 pm over fears of crosswinds. Passengers have been asked to contact the concerned airline(s) for flight schedules, the airport tweeted.
Vice President expresses anguish over loss of lives due to incessant rains in Tamil NaduVice President M Venkaiah Naidu today expressed anguish over the loss of lives in Tamil Nadu due to heavy rains, and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He also urged people to stay safe and follow instructions issued by the local authorities.
"Anguished by the loss of lives due to heavy rains in Tamil Nadu. My condolences to the bereaved families. With relief and rescue operations underway by state and central agencies, I urge people to stay safe and follow the instructions issued by the local authorities," the Vice President said on Twitter.
Watch: Chennai's Woman Cop Carries Unconscious Man On Shoulders To SafetyAs Chennai tackles waterlogging due to heavy rain over the past few days, a woman police inspector has set an example by leading rescue work from the front.
A video of Rajeswari, a police inspector with Chennai's TP Chatram Police Station, carrying an unconscious man on her shoulders and then ensuring his quick evacuation tells the story of duty, empathy and of a city coming together.
The video begins with Ms Rajeswari overseeing rescue work hands-on in a waterlogged area. As rescue crew cut branches of a tree felled by strong winds, Ms Rajeswari, trousers rolled up, is seen pulling at the felled branches to get them out of the way.
Tamil Nadu Rain: Streets near High Court Metro Station waterlogged
Tamil Nadu Rain: Rahul Gandhi appeals to Congress workers to help in relief and rescue efforts for Chennai
Tamil Nadu Floods: Chennai Airport Halts Arrivals Till 6 pm Due To Severe Rain, Heavy WindsChennai airport has suspended all flights arriving between 1.15 and 6 pm in view of severe rains and heavy crosswinds, while departures will continue as scheduled.
"The decision has been taken considering the safety aspect of passengers and severity of wind," the airport said, as six districts across Tamil Nadu, including capital Chennai, receive heavy rainfall from a depression over the Bay of Bengal this week and is expected to cross the coast this evening.
Watch: ESI Hospital In Chennai Flooded With Water After Heavy RainA government hospital located in Chennai's KK Nagar was water-logged on Thursday after heavy rains in city.
However, all the facilities are still operational in the hospital with the available manpower.
"The hospital wards including COVID-19 wards are not affected," said Dr Mahesh of ESI hospital.
Chennai Rain: But We Are Tax-Paying Citizens - Anger, Desperation In Flooded ChennaiWith heavy rains pounding several regions of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Chennai Corporation says storm water drains are not designed for heavy rains, only for the average annual rains. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the city needs to be redesigned to become climate-resilient.
Reviewing dewatering works in low-lying areas today, the Chief Minister blamed the earlier AIADMK regime. He said, "Shoddy job and corruption are the reason for losses in T Nagar. We have done up to 60 per cent of the work in just six months. After the rainy season, we will set the rest of Chennai right and avert further loss."
"So far the governments didn't address our concerns. We hope at least the new government will do something for us. We are tax-paying citizens," said a Chennai resident.