Chennai rains: Chaos in low-lying areas

Chaos returned to the streets of Chennai on Tuesday as heavy rains plunged life back into a watery mess. This inundated state has become the new normal for the people of Chennai.

Fresh rains early on Tuesday crippled life all over again, flooding everything from roads to neighbourhoods, especially low-lying areas built on lakebeds and reclaimed zones, causing traffic jams and powercuts, from Taramani to Tondiarpet.

The transportation system has collapsed, leading to numerous trains being delayed and cancelled, isolating Chennaites to the confines of their homes with the water level rising.

Also read: Chennai rains are going to get worse, forecast says downpour for 4 more days

Many suburban railway tracks and important points like Velachery station have seen massive water logging. As a result, Southern Railways cancelled 12 trains bound to Southern Tamil Nadu and diverted 15 more.

Sink holes in Moolakadai, Kodungaiyur, Kolathur and Koyambedu forced authorities to divert vehicular flow, whatever is left of it that is.

A flood alert has been issued along the banks of the Adyar and the Cooum which is also rising. Three lakes in Kancheepuram district were breached due to heavy rains and inflows.

The weather forecast doesn't paint a pretty picture as heavy rains are expected over the next three days. The government has declared a holiday for schools in Chennai and neighbouring Kancheepuram district.

The rains this year in Tamil Nadu have so far claimed 184 lives.