Tamil Nadu and Puducheri are getting ready for very heavy rains today. This is due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The Northeast Monsoon has started. The weather department has said that there will be heavy rains across the state and extremely heavy rains in Chennai tomorrow. Because of this, schools and colleges in Chennai will have a rain holiday. IT companies have been told to let their workers work from home.
This is not the first time Chennai has faced such heavy rains. Last year, Chennai and Tuticorin were hit hard by floods. Many areas saw a lot of water. This year, a similar situation might happen. The weather department has given an intense rain warning, especially for the suburbs of Chennai.
Let’s check in with our colleague Sam Daniel, who is live in Chennai. Sam, it seems that it rained overnight. Can you tell us how the city is preparing for the heavy rains?

Sam reports that Chennai received heavy rainfall, almost 6 cm, just past midnight. However, there was a break in the rain for a few hours. Sam is in the CIT Colony area. Last December, this area was flooded with neck-deep water. Now, the road is clear, and there is no stagnation or water pooling. But problems still exist in some link roads where people are walking through ankle-deep water.
One big issue is that the stormwater drains are not finished in many places. Sam points out that there is ongoing work on the drains, but it is not complete. This has caused water to stay in some areas. Many people are unhappy because the ruling DMK promised to finish this work within a year, but it has been over two years, and many areas still need to be fixed. There are two main reasons for this delay. First, there are genuine delays in the work. Second, the Chennai Metro Rail Project has caused some problems, making it harder to finish the drain work.
As of now, most areas in Chennai do not have reports of flooding. However, there are some chronic low-lying areas where even a little rain can cause water to collect. Authorities hope that if the rains stay light and there are breaks in between, there will not be any flooding this time.

City Preparedness
The city has made strong plans to handle the rain. They have deployed over 300 boats in low-lying areas. Each zone in Chennai has a senior official assigned to oversee the situation. They have set up more than 15 relief centers in case evacuation is needed. The government claims that they have all the necessary equipment ready. This includes tree cutters, deep suckers, and diesel machines.
Authorities say they are prepared in other districts too. But there is a worry. The weather forecast says that around 40 cm of rain could fall in the next few days. In one day, there might be 20 cm of rain. The big question is whether the stormwater drains can handle this much water. The city and the state are ready, but the challenge remains.
Community Response
Local communities are also getting ready for the rains. People are checking their homes and making sure they are safe. Many are clearing their yards and drains to prevent water from pooling. Everyone knows that when it rains heavily, quick action can help avoid bigger problems.

Families are preparing for possible power outages and are stocking up on food and water. Emergency kits are being made, and people are sharing tips on how to stay safe during the storms. Community groups are also organizing to help those who might need assistance during the heavy rains.
Conclusion
As Tamil Nadu braces for heavy rains, it is clear that everyone is doing their part to prepare. The government is setting up plans, and the community is staying alert. Whether it is school holidays or work-from-home orders, the focus is on safety. Let’s hope the rains are manageable and that everyone stays safe during this weather. The next few days will be crucial for Chennai and surrounding areas as they face the challenge of heavy rainfall.