Chennai rains: 4 dead, schools shut for 2nd day as more downpour expected

Over the next few days, moderate to heavy rains will continue to lash Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu

Chennai and coastal parts of Tamil Nadu have received heavy rains for a third day in a row. Until now, four people have reportedly died across the state due to heavy rainfall.

The state administration has decided to keep the schools shut in several parts of the state.

In the past 24 hours, areas near Chengalpattu have received 100 mm rainfall, with most places receiving an average of 40 mm rainfall in the city.

While the rain stopped on Wednesday morning for a few hours before resuming, suburbs of Chennai faced water stagnation. Also, some local rivers and bridges were also flooded.

On Tuesday, a woman died in Cuddalore, 190 km from Chennai, after a wall of her home collapsed, taking the total death toll to four.

TV footage showed rainwater beginning to enter houses in Krishna Nagar and Lakshmipuram at Mudichur in Chennai after two days of rain. Mudichur was also one of the areas worst affected by the 2015 floods. Residents of Varadarajapuram were moving out with their belongings as water from the Adyar flooded these areas.

At Thiruvanchery, water from the Selaiyur lake was flowing over open land and roads to reach the Madambakkam lake, instead of a proper channel.

The administration announced that schools in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur and seven taluks of Cuddalore would remain shut for one more day since the MET department has forecast more rains for the city.

Overnight rain that lasted till 5:30 am today, was recorded up to 4 cm. (more)