Schools shut, streets flooded as heavy rains paralyse Chennai again

Record rainfall was registered in Chennai and its suburbs on November 1. The downpour began overnight, leading to inundation in a string of localities in the city and on the outskirts. For the first time in three decades, Nungambakkam, a core city area recorded 8 cm in a single day, and suburban Red Hills 13 cm followed by 12 cm in Perambur, also in the city. The Tamil Nadu government has declared an Orange alert for seven districts and a holiday for schools and colleges.

With northeast monsoon in full fury, the Tamil Nadu government has declared an Orange alert for seven districts and holiday for schools and colleges. Credit: AFP Photo

The orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Villupuram and Vellore districts. Credit: AFP Photo

Chennai and Tiruvallur have declared holidays for both schools and colleges; only schools are shut in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Villupuram, and Vellore districts. Credit: AFP Photo

Since the northeast monsoon hit Tamil Nadu on October 29, rain has been lashing many parts of the state with the capital city Chennai and adjacent districts facing heavy to very heavy fall. Credit: PTI Photo

The weathermen have predicted heavy to very heavy rain in Tamil Nadu till November 5 with thunder and lightning. Credit: PTI Photo

People were evacuated from low-lying areas and relief centres have been opened at places with heavy to very heavy rain. Credit: PTI Photo

The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvanamallai districts of Tamil Nadu in the next 24 hours. Credit: PTI Photo

This picture shows people making way through a flooded street during a heavy monsoon rainfall. Credit: AFP Photo

Motorists make their way along a street amid a heavy monsoon rainfall in Chennai. Credit: AFP Photo