CHENNAI — As the city of Chennai lit up with Diwali celebrations, heavy rainfall struck large swathes of the metropolis, including suburbs such as Velachery, Medavakkam, Pallikaranai and ECR Neelankarai. The unseasonal downpour caused waterlogging in many low-lying areas, dampening festive spirits and prompting the state government to activate precautionary measures.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely to persist at isolated places across several districts through October 22, as a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to deepen.
In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin convened a review meeting via video conference on the rain situation and preparedness for the Northeast monsoon. He instructed district collectors to move residents living in coastal and flood-prone zones to safer locations and ensure emergency services remain on high alert.
The IMD has forecast rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 111.5 mm in several districts, including Erode, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai and others. Meanwhile, the city of Thoothukudi has already been grappling with severe waterlogging after four consecutive days of heavy rainfall — a clear signal of how critical the situation has become.
Officials say the timing could not be worse, given the Diwali rush and heightened public movement. The combination of festival traffic and weather-induced disruptions has led to concerns over safety, traffic flow and power outages in some parts. Residents have been advised to monitor official updates, avoid venturing into waterlogged zones and take care during micro-bursts of rain and thunder.
While Diwali festivities are underway, the weather may cast a shadow over the celebrations in Chennai. With the IMD warning of more rain and the government readying evacuation teams and relief resources, authorities are bracing for the possibility of further intensification. In the words of one senior official: “Celebrate safely — but be ready for the skies to change.”