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Every year, Chennai experiences heavy flooding due to the Bay of Bengal monsoon rains. If you want to ensure your safety while living, traveling, or even if you are just a concerned citizen, you have to stay updated about the ongoing floods in the city.
In this blog, we will talk about the ongoing Chennai floods, the areas that are affected, and most importantly, how can you stay protected during these tough times.
Current Flood Situation in Chennai
Chennai is experiencing heavy flooding more than expected, there are multiple affected areas that are low lying and some that face monsoons. In the months of January, the city experiences heavy rain along with the Northeast monsoon that combines adding to the heavy Downpour.
- Rainfall: Today Rain fell in large amounts throughout the western part of the city including Adyar, Velachery and T. Nagar. While there are some areas where the rain has stopped completely, many towns are still experiencing constant heavy rain which has caused flooding and roads to be congested.
- Flooded Areas: Chennai’s core roads including the Mount Road and the ECR (East Coast Road) have been severely affected and are both currently submerged in water which has halted foot and vehicle traffic. Kotturpuram, Nungambakkam, as wells as Mylapore, are all now submerged under large amounts of water which has made it hard for people to commute. Even more, Regions which are located near The Cooum river as well as the Adyar river are seeing the water levels increase.
- Disruptions: Public transportation such as buses and trains have been disrupted or redirected, a large number of schools along with offices have been shut down or instructed to run on fewer employees. The local residents received advisories telling them to avoid going outside as well as traveling unless there was an absolute need to do so.
Why Is Chennai Flooded Today?
Several factors are contributing to the flooding in Chennai today:
- Excessive Rainfall: Excessive Rainfall: A mix of intermittent and steady rainfall that frequently accompanies the channeled monsoon has resulted in heavy water accumulation on the ground. When it comes to the elements of construction Chennai flooding drainage systems, cyclones pose a challenge because they are unable to cope with excessive rainfall over a period of time. There has been a slew of severe water-logging episodes resulting from heavy monsoons, for instance in 1992, 2000, and 2005, and it has always been a weak, flawed system with Mumbai’s infrastructure.
- Poor Drainage Infrastructure: Continuous rain has resulted in high levels of water in Cooum and Adyar rivers, coupled with the reinstated construction projects following the subsiding of water. As a result, these rivers and flooded areas are unable to hold the water. One of the main reasons for flooding in Chennai is the water from these rivers being held in these areas, which emphasize the flooding.
- Rising Water Levels in Rivers: More than the water shed’s ability to drain the water from the basin urbanization has contributed largely to the transformation of Chennai. Instead of available ample water systems, such as rainwater and restoration of over-constructed lakes wetlands and ponds the city is rapidly turning into a concrete jungle as urbanization surges returns the cities systems about maintaining low levels of pp.
- Urbanization: The rapid urbanization of Chennai has led to reduced natural water retention areas. Many of the city’s lakes, ponds, and wetlands have been encroached upon for construction, reducing the city’s ability to absorb excess rainwater.
What to Do During Chennai Floods
In the event that you find yourself in Chennai today amid flood conditions, consider the following safety recommendations to enable you remain safe:
- Stay Indoors: If you live in low-level areas more prone to floods, always try your best to stay indoors to avoid further damage. Try to not get out during heavy downpours, and if you are in traffic or using any form of public transit, avoid wading through flood waters because the chances are you will get hurt.
- Avoid Waterlogged Areas: The urge to go outside and take pictures or walk through flood water is something people can’t resist. But these actions can be quite dangerous. Powerful flood waters can appear calm but they can easily sweep people away along with submerged electrical cables, which can instantly prove fatal, So never cross roads flooded with rainwater especially driving through them until you’re absolutely sure it’s completely safe.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: When it rains, there are always chances of a blackout or the discontinuation of basic amenities. Hence it is recommended to get a backpack ready with food supplies like packaged meals, bottled water, dry snacks, a torch, portable chargers, and a first aid kit. Finally, make sure all your electronic devices are on charge so that in case of any emergency, you are able to call for help.
- Avoid Using Electrical Appliances: If you are in a flooded zone, switch off any electrical equipment and do not use any electric devices to avoid any electric shocks. Also, never put your hand on an electrical socket or switch if your hand is wet.
- Stay Updated: Check news and other social media platforms to be aware of the flood conditions in your locality. Since the weather of Chennai can change in a matter of minutes, it would be wise to know this information so that you can make the decision when to leave the area or when to change your plans.
- Evacuate if Necessary: If local authorities ask people to leave the area for safety reasons then get out and head somewhere safe. Also find out the best and safest routes and locations to head to beforehand.
Government Response and Measures
Due to the severe flooding, the Municipal Corporation of Chennai along with the Tamil Nadu government are increasing their evacuation assistance efforts. Emergency services and Disaster Management Teams are on standby to assist people trapped in flooded areas.
The State Government and local administration are also complimenting this approach with their efforts of drain unclogging and temporary shelters and rehabilitation kits for the encumbered citizens. Police and fire brigades are aiding in traffic control and relocating people living in the flooded areas.
Even with efforts to ameliorate the situation however, it is still required that infrastructure to manage floods in Chennai be improved so that an incident that leads to the disruption of such magnitudes is avoided in the future.
Looking Ahead: Future Flood Risks in Chennai
The struggles of Chennai when it comes to excessive flooding are not only limited to this time with an increase in erratic climate conditions and weather patterns across the globe, Chennai is more likely to face heavy rainstorms quite often in the future. In order to protect the area from the floodwaters, a long-term approach is necessary with special focus on the provision of advanced drainage mechanisms appropriate flood infrastructure as well as rehabilitation of available water bodies.
Furthermore, residents can assist by refraining from dumping trash in storm drainage systems and aiding with the restoration of water bodies and rainwater management.
Conclusion
As Chennai continues to deal with rising temperatures, unplanned urbanization, and storm flooding which has been exacerbated due to climate change, the Chennai flood today serves as a warning for the city. If staying in Chennai were to say today keep safe and try not to enter flooded areas and be more vigilant when it comes to the weather. The individuals should be more responsible during this time and the government should be more proactive in addressing the issues so that the affairs remain under control.
Although the torrents might come down, the city must increase urban planning and climate change resilience measures. Remain safe and get information efficiently and assist each other during these challenging times.
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