Chennai rains bring life to a halt in city; NDRF, Armed forces begin relief efforts
The rains that have virtually broken a 100-year-old record with one day's rainfall covering a month's average also flooded areas in Vadapalani, Valasaravakkam and Nandamvakkam as nearby lakes overflowed into the city.
Chennai and several coastal areas of the state were on Wednesday marooned in flood waters following incessant heavy rains that pounded the city and the neighbouring districts cutting the state capital from rail and road links even as the airport was shutdown for the day.
Though the heavy rains that lashed the city and the suburbs and neighbouring districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore for more than a day yesterday have shown a let up since this morning, a continuous drizzle under overcast skies spelled further trouble for citizens.
Teams of army, navy, coast guard and NDRF have been deployed in the worst-affected areas of Tambaram, the southern gateway to the city, Mudichur and Oorapakkam.
Police and Fire service personnel were also involved in rescue operations. The Coast Guard has deployed its boats in some areas in the city that has witnessed unprecedented rains in a short period of time in recent memory.
The rains that have virtually broken a 100-year-old record with one day's rainfall covering a month's average also flooded areas in Vadapalani, Valasaravakkam and Nandamvakkam as nearby lakes overflowed into the city.
(With agency inputs)
Latest Updates
Mahesh Sharma announced that Civil Aviation Ministry has decided on the Rajali airbase, which is 40km from Chennai airport,.
Tambaram railway station turned into a makeshift shelter for stranded passengers
Airbus 320 test landed at Rajali naval base in Arakkonam which will function as a make shift airport for passenger flights
Naval air station in Arakonnam may become temporary airport as Chennai airport is shutdown
Officials on the job to restore power supply in Chennai: Piyush Goyal
Chennai airport to be shut till December 6
Tejashwi Yadav has donated his first month's salary towards Chennai flood relief fund
Rajnath Singh to give statement on the floods tommorow
DMK urges Centre to declare Chennai flood 'national disaster'
South Central Railway launches helpline numbers., cancels 12 trains
Karnataka govt has sanctioned Rs 5 crore along medicines and relief items. I have asked Chief Secy to coordinate with Tamil Nadu govt: CM Siddaramaiah
More than 150 people evacuated by ICG, 23 personnel and two officers in four boats engaged in rescue operations
NDRF teams leave for Tamil Nadu from Delhi with relief material
The rainfall is likely to continue for about a week, but situation critical for the next 48 hours. The rainfall is likely to continue for about a week, but situation critical for the next 48 hours L S Rathore, IMD Director General
We have decided that in case of non-payment of BSNL bill, there shall be no disconnection of the line, said RS Prasad
Due to Chennai floods, there will be no charges on BSNL bills for one week in Chennai starting today, said RS Prasad
Locals fight for relief material in Choolaimedu
#ChennaiRains #GlobalHospital
ICGS Sarang deployed to Chennai with divers. Food is being cooked on-board for distribution among victims: Indian Coast Guard
If you can offer shelter, food/supplies, need rescue help, other useful contact information, or available for volunteering. All in one place.
Check: http://chennairains.org/
INS Airawat equipped with 5 Jamini boats, 20 divers, lot to relief material, will reach Chennai today late evening or tomorrow morning: Navy PRO CG Raju
Railway officials monitoring situation. Necessary steps will be taken, says Manoj Sinha, MoS for Railways.
Few districts may experience very heavy rainfall. Fishermen should be careful: Tamil Nadu MeT Department
"Chennai airport is totally waterlogged, about 700 passengers are stuck at the airport. Amenities are being provided to them. They will be evacuated as soon as we possible," says Union Minister Mahesh Sharma.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said incessant rains in coastal parts of Tamil Nadu, is likely to continue for three more days, and urged the people residing in low-lying areas to move to safer locations.
IMD Director General L S Rathore said that although the intensity of rain will lessen after 72 hours, but it will continue to pour for about a week.
Army rescue columns reach out to victims of floods in Chennai. Succeed in rescuing over 50 civilians to safety in Gudvancheri and Mudichur.
Speaking to ANI, Navy PRO said, "Navy has been co-ordinating with local authorities to carry out rescue operations, many teams & relief material sent."
PM Modi chairs high-level meet on #ChennaiRains
Current satellite images of Chennai (Source: MeT Dept)
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in view of the situation, the Centre has deployed Army, Navy and NDRF teams in sufficient numbers.
"The Prime Minister has issued a memorandum and we have deployed our Central team there to assess the situation and make a report so that every possible help can also reach there," Singh said.
Chennai Airport will remain shut for operations till 6 AM tomorrow: AAI.
The flight operations at the Chennai Airport have been closed for the whole day because of the flooded water on the runway.
"All operations at Chennai Airport have been stopped for rest of the day and all flights stand cancelled. Operations at the airport have been shut as water has started entering the airfield," Deepak Shastri, Chennai Airport Director told ANI.
Indian Coast Guard personnel and boats on standby. Two boats assisting Police in Saidapet in rescue efforts.
700 elders stuck at Paraniputhur