Following this, officials issued an early flood warning as three reservoirs in the city were opened in a phased manner to release excess water.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin along with top officials inspected several submerged areas including Perambur Barrack Road, Otteri Bridge and Padi. He also directed the officials to take prompt action to drain the flood waters.
The CM along with cabinet colleagues also distributed flood aid including rice, milk and blankets to those kept in temporary shelters.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Chennai and suburbs have received between 10 cm and 23 cm of rain. Kamarajar Salai Point near Tamil Nadu Secretariat (DGP office on Marina beach) recorded the highest rainfall of 23 cm and suburban Ennore in north Chennai received 10 cm of rain.
Some suburban places, including areas in nearby Tiruvallur district, received 3 cm (Poondi and RK Pet) and 9 cm (Cholavaram) rainfall.
This led to waterlogging in most parts of the city and suburbs. Several areas of Saidapet, Velachery, Adambakkam, Madipakkam and West Mambalam were inundated with water up to two to three feet.
Many subways were flooded with rainwater for several feet. Rain water also entered several houses in such areas, forcing residents to move to safer places.
As a precaution, power supply was cut in such areas.
In view of the increase in rainfall in the catchment areas, surplus water was released from Poondi reservoir, which was increased to 3,376 cusecs in a phased manner.
Similarly, Chembarambakkam and Puzhal reservoir, two other important sources of drinking water in Chennai city, were opened to flush out excess rain water, water resources officials said.
He said the initial release from both facilities was around 500 cusecs.
Four teams of National Disaster Response Force have been deployed to assist in rescue operations in case of emergency. One team each in Chengalpet and Tiruvallur and two teams in Madurai are deployed for rescue operations.
IMD Prediction in Tamil Nadu
The IMD has issued a ‘Red’ category warning indicating heavy rain in Tamil Nadu and neighboring Puducherry on Sunday. The Meteorological Department has also predicted ‘moderate’ rain in the city till November 11.
It said that a Cyclonic Circulation persists over Southeast Bay of Bengal off Sumatra coast. A low pressure area is very likely to form over southeast Bay of Bengal around November 9.
Fishermen are advised not to venture into southeast Bay of Bengal on 9th and 10th November and southwest Bay of Bengal and Tamil Nadu and adjoining Andhra Pradesh coast around 10th to 12th November.
Extremely heavy rainfall is very likely over North Coastal Tamil Nadu.
Heavy rain likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on Sunday
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